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 Word Forms

• undeadlocked adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of deadlock¹

First recorded in 1770–80; dead + lock ¹

Example Sentences

A separate U.S. initiative to break the diplomatic deadlock between Ukraine and Russia that was already under way shifted to include the newly drafted plan.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Murillo stood stone-faced at attention as the judge addressed the court, but seemed relieved once the deadlock was announced.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

As the battle turned into a deadlock, it became clear that although the French ships outnumbered the English, some two hundred vessels to eighty, the English had a huge advantage.

Read more on Literature

Nigeria, who needed 78 minutes to break the scoring deadlock in a 4-1 semi-finals victory over Gabon three days ago, were ahead within three minutes against the Congolese.

Read more on Barron's

But those institutions were forced to close after October 1 due to a budget deadlock among lawmakers that ended most federal funding for a record 43 days.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

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