armlock: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowSpecialized, Technical (martial arts), Informal (figurative)
Quick answer
What does “armlock” mean?
A grappling hold in wrestling or martial arts where one's opponent's arm is immobilized and put under painful pressure, typically by being locked in a bent position.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A grappling hold in wrestling or martial arts where one's opponent's arm is immobilized and put under painful pressure, typically by being locked in a bent position.
A position of complete control or restraint over someone or something, preventing them from acting freely. Can also refer to a locking mechanism on an armrest.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in core meaning. Spelling is consistent. The term is internationally recognized in martial arts contexts.
Connotations
Identical technical connotations. In figurative use, it may be slightly more common in UK media/sports commentary.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both varieties, confined to specific domains.
Grammar
How to Use “armlock” in a Sentence
[subject] applied/put/slid into an armlock.[subject] was caught/trapped/stuck in an armlock.He armlocked his opponent (into submission).Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “armlock” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He managed to armlock his larger opponent from the guard position.
- The fighter was warned for attempting to armlock illegally.
American English
- She quickly armlocked her opponent, forcing a tap-out.
- You can't just armlock someone from that angle.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable. No standard adverbial form.
American English
- Not applicable. No standard adverbial form.
adjective
British English
- The armlock finish was spectacular. (as compound modifier)
- He has a dangerous armlock game.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Figurative: 'The new contract put the smaller company in a financial armlock.'
Academic
Rare. Possibly in sports science papers analyzing grappling techniques.
Everyday
Very rare outside of discussing martial arts or figurative expressions of control.
Technical
Primary context: martial arts (jiu-jitsu, judo, wrestling), mixed martial arts (MMA) commentary.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “armlock”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “armlock”
- Using 'armlock' to describe any kind of hug or simple hold. Confusing it with 'headlock'. Spelling as two words ('arm lock').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. An 'armbar' is a specific, common type of armlock where the arm is straightened and hyperextended at the elbow. 'Armlock' is a broader category that includes armbars and other locks (like bent-arm locks such as the Kimura).
Yes, especially in martial arts contexts (e.g., 'He armlocked his opponent'). It is a regular verb (armlock, armlocked, armlocking).
No. It is a low-frequency, specialized term. Most people will only encounter it in the context of combat sports, self-defence, or occasionally in figurative language in news/politics.
The primary danger is joint damage (particularly to the elbow or shoulder ligaments) from hyperextension or torsion. This is why participants 'tap out' (surrender) to signal submission before injury occurs.
A grappling hold in wrestling or martial arts where one's opponent's arm is immobilized and put under painful pressure, typically by being locked in a bent position.
Armlock is usually specialized, technical (martial arts), informal (figurative) in register.
Armlock: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɑːm.lɒk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɑːrm.lɑːk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To have someone in an armlock (figurative): to have complete control over someone's actions.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a LOCK that traps someone's ARM, bending it painfully. ARM + LOCK = ARMLOCK.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONTROL IS PHYSICAL RESTRAINT / A PROBLEM IS A PHYSICAL HOLD.
Practice
Quiz
In a figurative sense, what does it mean to have someone 'in an armlock'?