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

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