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 of deadlock

• halt
• impasse
• stalemate

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 deadlock reflected significant disagreement among jurors over the brothers' motives and the credibility of their abuse claims. —Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 13 June 2026

Beyond the deadlock over the strait, the two sides also remain at odds over Iran’s nuclear program. —Jon Gambrell, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2026

The objective was to break the diplomatic deadlock in talks to reach an interim peace agreement and support Hezbollah. —Abbas Al Lawati, CNN Money, 10 June 2026

In the Division 5 final at The Claremont Club, San Clemente lost to San Marcos on games 85-81 after dueling to a 9-9 deadlock on sets. —Dan Albano, Oc Register, 10 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1781, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for deadlock

• alcock
• beanstalk
• bedrock
• boardwalk
• catwalk
• cornstalk
• crosswalk
• feedstock
• fetlock
• flintlock
• goshawk
• graywacke

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