1. A disease, especially in horses and cattle, characterized by stiffness of the jaw muscles and inability to open the mouth, typically caused by bacterial infection; tetanus.
Usage: Often used in veterinary contexts; Can refer to tetanus in humans, though less common
2. A condition of being unable or unwilling to speak; silence or refusal to communicate.
Usage: Figurative or informal usage

Examples

• The veterinarian diagnosed the horse with lockjaws after noticing it could not chew its food.
• Lockjaws is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention in both animals and humans.
• The witness came down with a case of lockjaws and refused to testify.
• After the accident, the patient suffered from lockjaws and had difficulty eating.
• The disease lockjaws can be prevented through proper vaccination in livestock.
• He seemed to have a sudden case of lockjaws whenever asked about his involvement in the incident.