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

• 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 boos started cascading from the rafters of Citizens Bank Park in the seventh inning of Game 2 Monday night when the Dodgers scored four times to break a deadlock and take a 4-0 lead. —Barry M. Bloom, Sportico.com, 8 Oct. 2025

The latest martyr in Paris’ ongoing political deadlock — France’s fifth PM in less than two years — is Sébastien Lecornu, who announced his resignation on Monday after just 27 days in office. —Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2025

This marks the sixth attempt to break the deadlock as the government shutdown continues. —Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Oct. 2025

On Monday evening, Macron gave Lecornu another 48 hours to seek some sort of exit from the deadlock, buying himself a little more time. —Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 7 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1779, 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