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.
However, as Page continued to hold the host in a headlock and lowered his body to the ground, Seacrest began to tap out. Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 8 Apr. 2025 The headlock came about when Seacrest asked Page about his time in the squared circle. James Powel, USA Today, 27 Mar. 2025 Other abusive behavior included putting girls into headlocks and threatening to injure and chop off the tail of a foster carer’s cat, per the BBC. Gabrielle Rockson, People.com, 17 Mar. 2025 The Rudy Gobert headlock and Jusuf Nurkic swipe earned him an indefinite suspension. Danny Emerman, The Mercury News, 23 Feb. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Headlock.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/headlock. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.

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