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 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, "Stephen Schwarzman says that Blackstone is not done growing," 29 June 2019 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.