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 Patrik Hrosovsky own goal broke the deadlock before Hume's superb effort with just under 10 minutes left made sure - but was it the best under O'Neill?

Read more on BBC

Hopes that France can solve its budget and political deadlock without a snap-election caused yields to fall slightly.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

As the government remains in a stalemate over the shutdown, D.C. bars are showing off a talent that doesn’t require a roll-call vote: turning deadlocks into drink deals.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Lecornu resigned early Monday after less than a month in office but Macron gave him up to Wednesday evening to find a way out of months of deadlock over an austerity budget.

Read more on Barron's

Due to the congressional deadlock over the budget and subsequent federal shutdown, the U.S. military — perhaps the most prominent Pacific Airshow draw — would not be in attendance over the October 3-5 weekend.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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