Search Dictionary
Definition of lockjaw

lockjaw

/ˈlɑːkˌdʒɔː/
lock · jaw
Adjective:lockjawed
JUMP TO:

lockjaw Lexical Profile

lockjaw Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A serious infectious bacterial disease caused by Clostridium tetani, characterized by painful muscle spasms and rigidity, especially in the jaw and neck; tetanus.

Example

"Routine childhood vaccination has made cases of lockjaw extremely rare in modern medicine."

2

A condition of sustained spasm of the jaw muscles that prevents the mouth from opening fully; trismus.

Example

"Following the wisdom tooth extraction, the patient experienced temporary lockjaw due to localized inflammation."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for lockjaw

• Nearby Words

lockdown
locker
locket
lockjaw
lockmaker
lockout
lockpick

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the late 18th century as a descriptive compound of 'lock' and 'jaw' (originally 'locked jaw'), referring to the characteristic rigid contraction of the jaw muscles caused by tetanus.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Lockjaw. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/lockjaw
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.