headlock

noun

head·​lock ˈhed-ˌläk How to pronounce headlock (audio)
: a hold in which a wrestler encircles an opponent's head with one arm

Examples of headlock in a Sentence

He had me in a headlock.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The state’s current Republican power players, led by Governor Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton, have Texas politics in a headlock. Chris Vognar, The Atlantic, 9 Dec. 2024 Penny grabbed him from behind in a headlock, wrestled him to the ground and held him with the help of another passenger. Michael Ruiz, Fox News, 3 Dec. 2024 Poor things have no idea that Gwan-hee is over in Paradise putting Min-ji in an affectionate headlock. Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 2 Jan. 2024 By the tail end of it, Hawks defenseman Kevin Korchinski put Blues forward Dalibor Dvorsky in a headlock and eventually took him down. Phil Thompson, Chicago Tribune, 5 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for headlock 

Word History

First Known Use

1876, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of headlock was in 1876

Dictionary Entries Near headlock

Cite this Entry

“Headlock.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/headlock. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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