deadlock

[ ded-lok ]

noun

1. a state in which progress is impossible, as in a dispute, produced by the counteraction of opposing forces; standstill; stalemate:

   The union and management reached a deadlock over fringe benefits.

   Synonyms: draw, impasse, standoff

2. deadbolt.
3. a maximum-security cell for the solitary confinement of a prisoner.

verb (used with or without object)

1. to bring or come to a deadlock.

deadlock

/ ˈdɛdˌlɒk /

noun

1. a state of affairs in which further action between two opposing forces is impossible; stalemate
2. a tie between opposite sides in a contest
3. a lock having a bolt that can be opened only with a key

verb

1. to bring or come to a deadlock

Other Words From

• un·deadlocked adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of deadlock¹

First recorded in 1770–80; dead + lock ¹

Example Sentences

Aid charities have said the deadlock has put the whole deal over support for women in jeopardy with just three days to go before the conference ends.

From BBC

English Football League chairman Rick Parry says he hopes a "seminal" review of the game by a new independent regulator could help overcome years of deadlock with the Premier League over a "fundamental financial reset".

From BBC

Some argue that allowing a dysfunctional government to hobble on for another year would have led to more instability and deadlock.

From BBC

The hosts broke the deadlock in the bottom of the fifth inning as Enrique Hernandez, only the second Dodger to get on base by that stage, raced home on a sacrifice fly by Will Smith.

From BBC

But perhaps deadlock is fitting for this topic, because it’s not at all clear where the plans go from here.

From BBC

Related Words

• dilemma
• gridlock
• plight
• predicament
• standoff
• standstill