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

Casemiro broke the deadlock minutes after the half-hour mark, heading home from a Luke Shaw freekick. —Ben Church, CNN, 28 Oct. 2024

Johnson broke a 23-23 deadlock to make Chicago the largest American city to call for a cease-fire. —Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 7 Oct. 2024

Just six months into his tenure, Faye called for a snap election to break the political deadlock in the country’s parliament, where opposition parties continue to dominate—and, in his telling, obstruct his legislative agenda. —Yasmeen Serhan, TIME, 2 Oct. 2024

The State Law Firm describes a deadlock as a hung jury, when members aren't able to come to a unanimous decision. —Christine Pelisek, Peoplemag, 27 Sep. 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