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

Tuesday's match was an intense affair, with former Manchester United player Tuanzebe only breaking the deadlock in the 100th minute.

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

The BBC understands that the Hillsborough Law campaign's legal team will be in parliament next week to meet MPs in an effort to break the deadlock and galvanise support.

From BBC • Mar. 22, 2026

The European Commission has mustered a team to try to break the deadlock over Ukraine.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 19, 2026

Garfield 3, Venice 2: The Bulldogs scored a run in the ninth on an error to break a 2-2 deadlock.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 14, 2026

The full and better-recorded salvo came late in 1800 and early in 1801, during the debate in the House of Representatives over the presidential deadlock between Burr and Jefferson.

From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis

Related Words

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