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

The UN negotiations, the sixth round of talks in just under three years, were due to end on Thursday but countries continued to negotiate into the night in the hopes of breaking a deadlock.

From BBC

Legislators have brawled in parliament over the political deadlock, while activists have faced doxxing and abuse.

From BBC

“Strife,” John Galsworthy’s 1909 social drama about the human cost of a deadlock between management and labor, is transferred from the England-Wales border to Pennsylvania of the 1890s.

From Los Angeles Times

Smith was a key player in getting devolution at Stormont restored the following January, after three years of deadlock, but he was sacked from the job a month later due to disagreements with Johnson.

From BBC

Another election may well result in a similar deadlock.

From BBC

Related Words

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