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.

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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

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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

Efforts to break a deadlock in 2025 over plans for a new European fighter jet have been unsuccessful, a German government spokesman told AFP on Wednesday.

From Barron's

Several Tunisian raids reaped no reward and on 44 minutes the goalless deadlock was broken with Osimhen, predictably, the scorer.

From Barron's

Both views capture real insights, but the deadlock suggests an important piece is still missing.

From Science Daily

Direct talks between Russian and Ukrainian negotiators earlier this year in Istanbul failed to break the deadlock and despite the flurry of diplomacy, the positions of the two countries appear to still be far apart.

From Barron's

The Swede came off the bench to break the deadlock for Arne Slot's side, but was challenged by Micky van de Ven just after he got his shot away, and was ultimately unable to continue.

From BBC

Related Words

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