headlock

noun

head·​lock ˈhed-ˌläk How to pronounce headlock (audio)
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In one, Taylor gleefully put One Battle After Another director Paul Thomas into a headlock after their film won best picture. James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 16 Mar. 2026 He was booked for that, but putting Struijk in a headlock in the Sunderland area was missed by the referee. Beren Cross, New York Times, 3 Mar. 2026 Heimuli was unable to break the headlock and was eventually pinned as time expired to end the first period for her first loss after 42 wins this season. Rick Kretzschmar, Dallas Morning News, 14 Feb. 2026 Had his childhood dream come true, Kaszas would be supporting himself by executing body slams, headlocks and double leg takedowns as a professional wrestler. George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for headlock

Word History

First Known Use

1876, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of headlock was in 1876

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Headlock.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/headlock. Accessed 22 Mar. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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