lockjaw

noun lock·jaw \ ˈläk-ˌjȯ \

Definition of lockjaw

: an early symptom of tetanus characterized by spasm of the jaw muscles and inability to open the jaws; also : tetanus

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Recent Examples of lockjaw from the Web

Has this crazy weather given the fish lockjaw in your favorite area?

— todd masson, NOLA.com, "Blasting speckled trout while shooting national TV show," 11 Apr. 2018
The website also includes signs once used to warn people of diseases such as whooping cough and a set of forceps used to force open the jaws of people with tetanus, or lockjaw.

— erin blakemore, Washington Post, "A fascinating look at antibody-based technology. Really.," 29 Oct. 2017
The trout bite slowed last week, but that may have more to do with anglers still looking for where the fish are concentrated than a case of lockjaw.

— sacbee, sacbee.com, "Fishing report: Week of May 29," 30 May 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'lockjaw.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of lockjaw

1768

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

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LOCKJAW Defined for Kids

lockjaw

noun lock·jaw \ ˈläk-ˌjȯ \

Definition of lockjaw for Students

: tetanus

Medical Dictionary

lockjaw

noun lock·jaw \ ˈläk-ˌjȯ \

medical Definition of lockjaw

: an early symptom of tetanus characterized by spasm of the jaw muscles and inability to open the jaws; also : tetanus 1a

Learn More about lockjaw

See words that rhyme with lockjaw Spanish Central: Translation of lockjaw Nglish: Translation of lockjaw for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of lockjaw for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about lockjaw

Seen and Heard

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