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

The big picture: The Washington Post first reported on Monday's deadlock by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) over the potential impact on national security if U.S. Steel were sold to Japan's largest steelmaker. —Rebecca Falconer, Axios, 24 Dec. 2024

Thursday night's deadlock may signal the turbulence to come when Trump returns to the White House with Republicans controlling both the House and Senate. —Gord Magill, Newsweek, 20 Dec. 2024

The deadlock was finally broken just before half-time as a clever pass from Yildiz found Vlahovic, who controlled it on the turn and slotted it between the ‘keeper’s legs. —Adam Digby, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024

Obsolete rules of order hamstring legislating to a point where deadlock seems permanent. —Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 15 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