Copy Citation
Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!
TAKE THE QUIZtetanize
verb
tet·a·nize
ˈte-tə-ˌnīz 
tetanized; tetanizing
: to induce tetanus in
tetanize a muscle
Word History
First Known Use
1849, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near tetanize
Cite this Entry
“Tetanize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tetanize. Accessed 30 Mar. 2023.
Medical Definition
tetanize
transitive verb
tet·a·nize
variants
also British tetanise
tetanized also British tetanised; tetanizing also British tetanising
: to induce tetanus in
tetanize a muscle
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
-
Name That Flower
Can you tell the difference between a lilac and a...
Take the quiz
-
Are You Feeling Lucky?
A charming quiz about fortunate and unfortunate w...
Take the quiz
-
How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?
Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!
Take the quiz
-
Spelling Bee Quiz
Can you outdo past winners of the National Spelli...
Take the quiz
Share