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 deadlock spares Nichols, again, from a death sentence. —Todd Pendleton, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025

Davison broke that deadlock with a tough driving layup. —Zack Cox, Hartford Courant, 13 Apr. 2025

Previous negotiations mediated by the US, Saudi Arabia and the African Union reached a deadlock. —Nimi Princewill, CNN Money, 27 Mar. 2025

Miguel Mora had an RBI single in the ninth to break the 4-4 deadlock. —Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 21 Mar. 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