“Lockjaw” usually means a condition where the jaw gets stuck or is hard to move, making it difficult to open the mouth. It can also be used informally to describe a jaw that feels tight, stiff, or painful.
In everyday English, people may use “lockjaw” when talking about a medical problem or about jaw tightness after an injury, dental issue, or muscle spasm. In some cases, it is also used as a common name for tetanus, a serious illness that can cause muscle stiffness.
Meaning & Usage
“Lockjaw” is most often used to describe a jaw that cannot open normally. People might say it when someone has trouble chewing, speaking, or opening their mouth because the jaw muscles are tight or locked.
Examples
“After the dental procedure, he had a bit of lockjaw for a day.”
“She couldn’t open her mouth properly because of lockjaw.”
Is lockjaw the same as tetanus?
Sometimes, yes. In common use, “lockjaw” can refer to tetanus because one of its symptoms is stiffness in the jaw and body.
Can lockjaw be temporary?
Yes. It can be temporary if caused by muscle strain, stress, or a dental problem, but it can also be a sign of something more serious.
When should someone get help for lockjaw?
If the jaw stays stuck, is very painful, or comes with other symptoms like fever or muscle stiffness, it’s best to see a doctor or dentist.
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