headlock

[hed-lok]

noun

Wrestling.

1. a hold in which a wrestler locks lock an arm around the opponent's head. heads.

headlock

/ ˈhɛdˌlɒk /

noun

1. a wrestling hold in which a wrestler locks his opponent's head between the crook of his elbow and the side of his body

Word History and Origins

Origin of headlock¹

First recorded in 1900–05; head + lock ¹

Example Sentences

That break allowed Avery “to put Farrell in a headlock and begin punching him repeatedly in the kidneys and stomach while Farrell was unable to defend himself,” Farrell’s complaint says.

From Los Angeles Times

I grabbed her right hand which held the knife, I put her into a headlock and dragged her back.

From BBC

Other abusive and violent behaviour included putting girls in a headlock, and threatening to harm a foster carer's cat and chop off its tail.

From BBC

Days before the stabbing, the teacher had displayed violent behaviour, including putting another teacher in a headlock, they said.

From BBC

A TV auctioneer used violence against his wife over a 10-year period which began after he put her in a headlock during an argument, a court has heard.

From BBC