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 Blue Devils broke a 3-3 deadlock and jumped ahead in the top of the fifth with an RBI double from sophomore infielder Aminah Vega and RBI single from graduate infielder Gisele Tapia. —Maddie Hartley, Kansas City Star, 24 May 2024

The details seem irrelevant compared to the broad reality of deadlock. Compromise? —Alan J. Borsuk, Journal Sentinel, 17 May 2024

Kawa scored the goal off a feed from Lily Peak to break an 8-all deadlock and senior Caroline Bowers scored the first two tallies for the Blazers (3-3, 2-1) in the fourth quarter. —Craig J. Clary, Baltimore Sun, 28 Mar. 2024

In the 58th minute, the Current broke the deadlock and made some history — with their 15th different goalscorer this season. —Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 26 May 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