locked-in syndrome: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (Specialized)Medical/Technical, Figurative (literary/journalistic)
Quick answer
What does “locked-in syndrome” mean?
A medical condition characterized by complete paralysis of all voluntary muscles except for those controlling eye movement, while cognitive function remains fully intact.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A medical condition characterized by complete paralysis of all voluntary muscles except for those controlling eye movement, while cognitive function remains fully intact.
A metaphorical state of being trapped or unable to act or communicate, despite being mentally aware.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in spelling or usage. The term is identical in both varieties.
Connotations
Identical strong medical connotations. The figurative use is equally uncommon in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both, confined to medical/health reporting and specialized discussion.
Grammar
How to Use “locked-in syndrome” in a Sentence
Patient [suffers/has/is diagnosed with] locked-in syndrome.The accident/Stroke resulted in locked-in syndrome.locked-in syndrome [following/after/caused by] a brainstem injury.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in medical, neurological, and bioethics literature.
Everyday
Rare, only in discussions of severe disability or news reports about specific cases.
Technical
Standard term in neurology, neurosurgery, and rehabilitation medicine.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “locked-in syndrome”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “locked-in syndrome”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “locked-in syndrome”
- Misspelling as 'lock-in syndrome' (which suggests an event).
- Using it loosely for minor immobility.
- Incorrect hyphenation: 'locked in syndrome'.
- Capitalization: not typically capitalized unless starting a sentence.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, cognitive and sensory functions are typically fully intact, meaning they can feel, think, and experience emotions normally.
No, it is entirely different. In a coma, patients are unconscious. In locked-in syndrome, patients are fully conscious and aware.
Pontine hemorrhage or infarction (a type of stroke in the brainstem) is the most frequent cause.
Complete recovery is rare, but some patients may regain limited control over certain movements. Management focuses on communication technology and supportive care.
A medical condition characterized by complete paralysis of all voluntary muscles except for those controlling eye movement, while cognitive function remains fully intact.
Locked-in syndrome is usually medical/technical, figurative (literary/journalistic) in register.
Locked-in syndrome: in British English it is pronounced /ˌlɒkt ˈɪn ˌsɪndrəʊm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌlɑːkt ˈɪn ˌsɪndroʊm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A prisoner in one's own body (common description, not a formal idiom).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a person fully conscious and aware, but their body is a locked house they cannot leave; only their eyes are windows they can open.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE BODY IS A PRISON / CONSCIOUSNESS IS TRAPPED.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary characteristic of locked-in syndrome?