Lockjaw (Noun)
Meaning
An acute and serious infection of the central nervous system caused by bacterial infection of open wounds; spasms of the jaw and laryngeal muscles may occur during the late stages.
Classification
Nouns denoting natural processes.
Examples
- The doctor suspected that the patient had contracted lockjaw from the deep gash on his leg that hadn't been properly cleaned.
- If left untreated, the infection could progress to lockjaw, which would be fatal without immediate medical attention.
- The wound had become infected and was now causing lockjaw, making it difficult for the patient to eat or speak.
- The tetanus shot is essential in preventing lockjaw, especially for people who work outdoors or engage in high-risk activities.
- After a few days of symptoms, the patient was diagnosed with lockjaw and was rushed to the hospital for emergency treatment.