headlock

noun

head·​lock ˈhed-ˌläk 

: a hold in which a wrestler encircles an opponent's head with one arm

Examples of headlock in a Sentence

He had me in a headlock.

Recent Examples on the Web

Much of the fashion conversation over the last year has centered on the luxury slowdown, as commercial pressure puts fantasy and creativity in a headlock. — Amy Francombe, Vogue, 9 Oct. 2026

One policeman was captured on camera using a headlock on a girl in Alençon, a technique now prohibited by law. — Melissa Bell, CNN Money, 6 Oct. 2026

In that 2025 game, Cunningham chased down guard Jacy Sheldon, now a member of the Sky, on a breakaway and wound up applying a headlock to Sheldon in the ensuing dust-up. — Brian Hamilton, New York Times, 9 Aug. 2026

Punk eventually tried to go for the GTS, but Rhodes wiggled out and caught Punk in a headlock. — Blake Oestriecher, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1876, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for headlock

• alcock
• beanstalk
• bedrock
• boardwalk
• catwalk
• cornstalk
• crosswalk
• deadlock
• feedstock
• fetlock
• flintlock
• goshawk