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brain lock

noun
variants: or brain-lock or brainlock \ˈbrān-ˌläk\
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Definition of brain lock

chiefly US, informal
: a condition of temporary confusion, indecision, or mental paralysis
  • … an outbreak of brain lock has spread through the award's nominating committee …
  • —Seth Davis,  Sports Illustrated,  31 Jan. 2000
  • But Hasselbeck wasn't the only Seahawk who suffered brainlock on Sunday; teammates made three or four other dumb plays …
  • —Peter King,  Publishers Weekly,  25 Oct. 2004

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First Known Use of brain lock

1934

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