tetanize

verb

tet·​a·​nize ˈte-tə-ˌnīz How to pronounce tetanize (audio)
tetanized; tetanizing

transitive verb

: to induce tetanus in
tetanize a muscle
tetanization
ˌte-tə-nə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce tetanize (audio)
ˌtet-nə-
noun

Word History

First Known Use

1849, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tetanize was in 1849

Rhymes for tetanize

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Browse Nearby Words

tetaniform
tetanize
tetanogenic
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tetanize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tetanize. Accessed 20 Apr. 2025.

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Medical Definition

tetanize

transitive verb
tet·​a·​nize
variants also British tetanise
ˈtet-ᵊn-ˌīz How to pronounce tetanize (audio)
tetanized also British tetanised; tetanizing also British tetanising
: to induce tetanus in
tetanize a muscle
tetanization noun
also British tetanisation
ˌtet-ᵊn-ə-ˈzā-shən, ˌtet-nə- How to pronounce tetanize (audio)
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