noun

headlock

Headlock (noun) means a wrestling hold in which one person clamps an arm tightly around another's head so they can't easily break free. Example: “He caught his opponent in a headlock and refused to let go.”

noun

A wrestling hold in which one person clamps an arm tightly around another's head so they can't easily break free.

"He caught his opponent in a headlock and refused to let go."

verb

To restrain someone by putting them in this hold.

"The bouncer headlocked the troublemaker and walked him outside."

How to use headlock

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA wrestling grip that traps someone's head under your arm.

Common pairings

put someone in a headlock break free from a headlock

Word forms

headlocked past tense, headlocks plural, headlocks singular

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He caught his opponent in a _____ and refused to let go.

Etymology

A compound of head and lock, describing a hold that "locks" the head in place.

Rhymes for headlock

padlock deadlock

See all rhymes for headlock →

Frequently asked questions

What does “headlock” mean?

The word “headlock” means a wrestling hold in which one person clamps an arm tightly around another's head so they can't easily break free. In plain terms, a wrestling grip that traps someone's head under your arm.

How do you use “headlock” in a sentence?

Here is “headlock” used in a sentence: “He caught his opponent in a headlock and refused to let go.”

What part of speech is “headlock”?

Depending on how it is used, “headlock” can be a noun and a verb.

How many meanings does “headlock” have?

“Headlock” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a wrestling hold in which one person clamps an arm tightly around another's head so they can't easily break free.