deadlock

American  

[ded-lok] / ˈdɛdˌlɒk /

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 British  

/ 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 Word Forms

• undeadlocked adjective

Etymology

Origin of deadlock

First recorded in 1770–80; dead + lock ¹

Example Sentences

"But the deadlock of a single pillar should not jeopardise the entire future of this high-tech European capability which will bolster our collective defence," he said.

From Barron's

Martin Zubimendi's fine strike broke the deadlock just before half-time at the Emirates before Gyokeres sealed victory in the second half.

From Barron's

But to reach a deadlock twice - some might call that criminal.

From BBC

The deadlock was broken when her successor, Boris Johnson, won a landslide general election victory in December 2019 to force through the exit.

From Barron's

Takaichi reportedly hopes a bigger majority will help her implement her agenda of more "proactive" fiscal spending, and may also help her break the deadlock in a spat with China.

From Barron's

Related Words

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