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

Regional leaders like South Africa have sent envoys to try to broker a resolution to a political deadlock that has stymied trade and threatens further economic damage. —Tavares Cebola, New York Times, 9 Jan. 2025

Biden's decision to halt the merger followed a deadlock last month by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), which could not agree on potential national security risks posed by the deal. —Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 6 Jan. 2025

Daniel Penny jury begins deliberating lesser charge after deadlock on manslaughter Penny, a former Marine, now faces a single charge of criminally negligent homicide in Neely’s death last year. —Michael Ruiz, Fox News, 9 Dec. 2024

In March 1979, to break the deadlock, Carter, with no assurance of success, shuttled between Jerusalem and Cairo for multiple days of intense personal negotiations. —Tom Donilon, Foreign Affairs, 29 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