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

A sports coach at a special educational needs school who put pupils in headlocks has been jailed for his "cruel bullying" after the abuse was uncovered by a BBC Panorama investigation.

From BBC

He grabbed the child, put her in a headlock and then attacked her with a steak knife.

From BBC

An undercover reporter spent almost seven weeks at Life Wirral in Wallasey and witnessed staff using offensive language to mock pupils for their neurodiversity or learning disabilities, as well as manhandling them into dangerous headlocks.

From BBC

The call caused him trouble in the department and put a target on his back, he said in his lawsuit, noting that a commanding officer put him in a headlock last fall.

From Los Angeles Times

They had a pool in their backyard, and they played water basketball games that occasionally resulted in Ella being put in a headlock by one of the brothers to keep her from scoring.

From Seattle Times