deadlock

noun

dead·​lock ˈded-ˌläk 

1

: a state of inaction or neutralization resulting from the opposition of equally powerful uncompromising persons or factions : standstill

the deadlock was broken with a key compromise

2

: a tie score

deadlock verb

Synonyms

• gridlock
• halt
• impasse
• logjam
• Mexican standoff
• stalemate
• standoff
• standstill

Examples of deadlock in a Sentence

City councilors reached a deadlock over the law.

His goal broke a 3–3 deadlock.

Recent Examples on the Web

David Barnea's visit comes after several months of deadlock in the negotiations and Qatar's decision to suspend its mediation efforts. —Barak Ravid, Axios, 11 Dec. 2024

If it had been tied, Vice President Kamala Harris could have broken the deadlock. —Ronald J. Hansen, The Arizona Republic, 11 Dec. 2024

Judge Maxwell Wiley proposed giving the jury an Allen charge, which refers to the jury instructions given to a hung jury that encourages them to continue deliberating despite the deadlock. —Kiara Alfonseca, ABC News, 6 Dec. 2024

This miserable deadlock showed no sign of changing. —Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 2 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1779, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

deadlock

noun

dead·​lock -ˌläk 

: a stopping of action because both sides in a struggle are equally powerful and neither will give in

deadlock verb

Legal Definition

deadlock

noun

dead·​lock ˈded-ˌläk 

: a state of inaction resulting from the opposition of equally powerful uncompromising persons or factions: as

a

: the state of a jury unable to agree on a verdict see also allen charge

b

: impasse

c

: a state in which corporate directors are unable to perform their functions because of shareholder voting

deadlock verb