tetanizes
/ˈtɛtənaɪzɪz/
verb
- To cause a state of sustained muscle contraction or rigidity, as in tetanus or a similar condition.
- The toxin from the wound can tetanize the muscles, making them stiff and painful.
- In the lab, the scientist observed how the chemical would tetanize the frog's leg muscle.
- If the infection spreads, it may tetanize the jaw muscles, causing lockjaw.
- To make rigid or stiff, often in a figurative sense, such as causing someone to become tense or unable to move.
- The shocking news seemed to tetanize the entire room, leaving everyone speechless.
- Fear can tetanize a person, freezing them in place during a crisis.
- The strict rules tetanize the creative process, making it hard for artists to experiment.