Headlock

/ˈhɛdlɑk/ noun

Definition

A wrestling move where one person wraps their arm around another person's head and neck to control them.

Etymology

A compound word combining 'head' (from Old English 'heafod') and 'lock' (from Old English 'loc,' meaning to fasten or secure). The compound emerged in modern wrestling terminology to describe the specific restraining position.

Kelly Says

Headlocks are actually one of the oldest wrestling techniques found in civilizations from Ancient Egypt to China, but modern sports made them illegal in many youth wrestling divisions because of concussion and neck injury risks—the sport essentially evolved to protect young brains.

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