lockjaw
1 synonyms and 0 antonyms for lockjaw, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A common name for tetanus, a disease that causes severe muscle spasms, especially in the jaw.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Etymology
A compound of lock + jaw, describing how the jaw muscles seize up.
Full origin of lockjaw →Frequently asked questions
What does “lockjaw” mean?
The word “lockjaw” means a common name for tetanus, a disease that causes severe muscle spasms, especially in the jaw. In plain terms, the everyday name for tetanus, a bacterial infection that stiffens the jaw and other muscles.
How do you use “lockjaw” in a sentence?
Here is “lockjaw” used in a sentence: “Untreated lockjaw can be fatal if it affects the muscles used for breathing.”
What part of speech is “lockjaw”?
“Lockjaw” is a noun.