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

He says the shortfall is largely attributed to the gridlock over Petronas-Petros gas distribution rights, as well as weaker crude oil and gas prices.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 2, 2026

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

Radio communications can be badly impacted with GPS systems lost or disrupted for many days - so your car sat-nav could stop working, creating gridlock in cities.

From BBC • Dec. 6, 2025

Carriages surrounded newsboys on lower Broad Street to the point that the street was in gridlock as people waited for the release of the second edition.

From "Votes for Women!" by Winifred Conkling

Related Words

• bottleneck
• congestion
• impasse
• logjam