lockjaw

American  

[lok-jaw] / ˈlɒkˌdʒɔ /

noun

Pathology.

1. tetanus in which the jaws become firmly locked together; trismus.

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lockjaw British  

/ ˈlɒkˌdʒɔː /

noun

1. pathol a nontechnical name for trismus tetanus

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Etymology

Origin of lockjaw

First recorded in 1795–1805; lock ¹ + jaw ¹

Example Sentences

Stewart knew that taking on “Spencer” would be a challenge, and in the days leading up to the shoot, she even developed lockjaw as she ceaselessly practiced her British accent.

From New York Times • Nov. 5, 2021

So perfectly does the stylistic matchup favour Serena, so thoroughly is her lockjaw grip on Sharapova’s psyche, that it can be said that Sharapova will never beat Serena – even if Serena loses.

From The Guardian • Aug. 29, 2015

All this despite medical science’s proven successes in wiping out not only the much-feared smallpox and polio, but nearly eliminating other serious illnesses like diphtheria, German measles, lockjaw and mumps in the United States.

From Washington Times • Feb. 14, 2015

Broke With Expensive Taste, her 2014 debut, gave the haters lockjaw, and I’d vote for it as the hip-hop album of the year.

From Slate • Dec. 17, 2014

If the fungi could cure lockjaw, he’d feel a softening in those joints.

From "The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest" by Aubrey Hartman