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 Words From

• un·deadlocked adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of deadlock¹

First recorded in 1770–80; dead + lock ¹

Example Sentences

One option to resolve this deadlock is for the international community, and the United States and Europe in particular, to impose an end to the occupation and facilitate the two-state settlement they claim to endorse.

From Time

The bill, which also banned police from using rubber bullets and tear gas, was passed on December 1 by both the state’s House and Senate after senior lawmakers overcame months of deadlock to reach a consensus.

From TechCrunch

Tricoire laid out Schneider’s challenge—how to increase global access to energy while resolving “the deadlock” of climate change.

From Fortune

Until the federal deadlock ends, Land O’ Lakes and HP are working on their own, smaller-scale solutions to the digital divide.

From Fortune

After weeks of deadlock, the two parties are finally moving closer to a stimulus deal.

From Fortune

Created in an election year and evenly divided between Republicans and Democrats, it could have ended in partisan deadlock.

From The Daily Beast

It was illegal and forced of course, but it seemed to be the only way out from the bloody political deadlock.

From The Daily Beast

John Avlon talks to a former FBI hostage negotiator about how to break the deadlock.

From The Daily Beast

Billionaire investor expresses impatient with deadlock, but says investors expect limited irrationality from D.C.

From The Daily Beast

The problem is it may take years—even decades—until they reach a deadlock too painful to endure.

From The Daily Beast

He wanted to get back at the old hound somehow—without giving in an inch in the mute deadlock.

From Project Gutenberg

And into the midst of this racket burst the news that the negotiations with Germany, Russia and France were at a deadlock.

From Project Gutenberg

A capitalist deadlock of markets brought on in 1914 the capitalist collapse popularly known as the World War.

From Project Gutenberg

There had been,—so they had said,—peculiarities so peculiar that it might be that the much-dreaded deadlock had come at last.

From Project Gutenberg

I got nowhere, until, in a manner as sudden as it was unexpected, something happened which ended the deadlock.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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