gridlock

American  

[grid-lok] / ˈgrɪdˌlɒk /

noun

1. the stoppage of free vehicular movement in an urban area because key intersections are blocked by traffic.

2. the blocking of an intersection by vehicular traffic entering the intersection but unable to pass through it.

3. any situation in which nothing can move or proceed in any direction.

   a financial gridlock due to high interest rates.

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gridlock British  

/ ˈɡrɪdˌlɒk /

noun

1. obstruction of urban traffic caused by queues of vehicles forming across junctions and causing further queues to form in the intersecting streets

2. a point in a dispute at which no agreement can be reached; deadlock

   political gridlock

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verb

1. (tr) (of traffic) to block or obstruct (an area)

Other Word Forms

• gridlocked adjective

Etymology

Origin of gridlock

An Americanism dating back to 1975–80; grid + lock ¹

Example Sentences

“By distributing traffic amongst multiple locations rather than funneling it all into the central terminal area we can reduce gridlock, improve safety, and give passengers better options on how to get to LAX,” Reich said.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 9, 2026

Gualtieri said the vast numbers created a "gridlock" caused by "the famous problem of overtourism".

From Barron's • Dec. 19, 2025

The AA has warned of gridlock on Friday as 24.4 million cars are expected to hit the roads.

From BBC • Dec. 18, 2025

The combo of remote work and empty buildings downtown would mean fewer commuters causing gridlock, but also fewer clients for businesses in the area.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 11, 2025

Border police were swamped, trying in vain to ease the gridlock by dividing traffic into four lanes.

From "Seabiscuit: An American Legend" by Laura Hillenbrand

Related Words

• bottleneck
• congestion
• impasse
• logjam