lockjaw

noun

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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

Examples of lockjaw in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web New environmental laws would be an even longer shot—none have passed since 1990 because of partisan lockjaw. — Heather Hansman, Outside Online, 9 Jan. 2021 Week-long stays can, in select circumstances, feel more like confinement when the annoying uncle unleashes an onslaught of jokes that practically elicit lockjaw from the intensity of cringe. — J.d. Simkins, Sunset Magazine, 27 Apr. 2022 This will require the financier to relax his lockjaw on the company, now that the firm will be held by a wider range of shareholders—while maintaining the discipline that has prevented Blackstone from blowing its money at the top of the cycle. — The Economist, 29 June 2019 Has this crazy weather given the fish lockjaw in your favorite area? — Todd Masson, NOLA.com, 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, 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, 30 May 2017 See More

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.