brain lock

noun

variants or brain-lock or brainlock
ˈbrān-ˌläk
chiefly US, informal
: a condition of temporary confusion, indecision, or mental paralysis
… an outbreak of brain lock has spread through the award's nominating committee …—Seth Davis, Sports Illustrated, 31 Jan. 2000
But Hasselbeck wasn't the only Seahawk who suffered brainlock on Sunday; teammates made three or four other dumb plays …—Peter King, Publishers Weekly, 25 Oct. 2004

Word History

First Known Use

1934, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of brain lock was in 1934

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Dictionary Entries Near brain lock

brainless

brain lock

brainpan

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Brain lock.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/brain%20lock. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

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