What does headlock mean?
A headlock is a grappling hold in which an opponent's head and neck are trapped between the arms, preventing free movement and often leading to a submission. The word is especially common in wrestling and combat-sports descriptions, as in “she put her opponent in a headlock.” As a verb, headlock means to place someone in this hold. In less formal contexts, the term can also describe a situation in which a person or organization feels tightly controlled by financial obligations, restrictive conditions, or another powerful influence. This figurative use conveys a sense of pressure and constrained freedom rather than literal physical restraint. The noun is generally countable and commonly used in the pattern “put someone in a headlock” or “get out of a headlock.” The word combines two familiar English elements: “head,” naming the part of the body involved, and “lock,” suggesting that movement has been locked or immobilized. Although firmly associated with wrestling, headlock is also useful in general English because it vividly conveys both physical control and figurative entrapment.
A wrestling or grappling hold in which an opponent's head and neck are trapped or immobilized between the arms.
"The wrestler broke free from the headlock and reversed his opponent's position."
The noun is countable and is commonly used with “put,” “get,” or “escape.” Figuratively, it can denote a situation of severe constraint or control.
To place someone in a wrestling or grappling hold that immobilizes their head and neck.
"He headlocked his opponent just as the round ended."
Usually transitive. Informal figurative uses mean to place someone under tight control or pressure.
The countable noun takes the regular plural form “headlocks.”
"The instructor demonstrated several headlocks during wrestling practice."
In a headlock, leverage often matters more than brute strength: a well-placed arm can decide a bout in seconds.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does headlock come from?
Headlock was formed in English as a compound of “head” and “lock,” with its earliest established uses belonging to wrestling terminology. The compound developed in a context where an opponent's head could be secured and movement effectively locked. It belongs to a wider group of English words formed from the same elements, including “headgear” and “locksmith,” although the precise sporting sense is specific to grappling holds.
Related word forms
How headlock is actually used
The literal term is chiefly associated with wrestling, grappling, and martial arts. In informal figurative use, being put in a headlock means being subjected to tight control, pressure, or entrapment.
Easily confused with headlock
A headlock is a physical grappling hold, whereas a deadlock is an unresolved situation in which opposing parties cannot make progress.
A headlock is a wrestling hold, while a headline is the title or heading at the top of a news story, article, or page.