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
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
Fraser Minten, who had hit a post in the first period, clanged the crossbar on a redirect just as a power play had expired and the sides went into the third in a 0-0 deadlock.
—
Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 11 Mar. 2026
Now in its fourth week, the impasse has left the Department of Homeland Security operating without a budget due to a congressional deadlock between Democrats and Republicans.
—Chase Jordan
march 9, Charlotte Observer, 9 Mar. 2026
The Avalanche finally broke the scoreless deadlock late in the second when Minnesota turned over the puck behind its own net and Nazem Kadri – acquired at the trade deadline from Calgary – fed a pass to MacKinnon.
—Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 8 Mar. 2026
The development marks a new crisis in the Balkan country that already went through a snap vote in December after a nearly yearlong political deadlock.
—ABC News, 6 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for deadlock
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Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 11 Mar. 2026
Now in its fourth week, the impasse has left the Department of Homeland Security operating without a budget due to a congressional deadlock between Democrats and Republicans.
—Chase Jordan
march 9, Charlotte Observer, 9 Mar. 2026
The Avalanche finally broke the scoreless deadlock late in the second when Minnesota turned over the puck behind its own net and Nazem Kadri – acquired at the trade deadline from Calgary – fed a pass to MacKinnon.
—Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 8 Mar. 2026
The development marks a new crisis in the Balkan country that already went through a snap vote in December after a nearly yearlong political deadlock.
—ABC News, 6 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for deadlock
Cite this Entry
“Deadlock.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deadlock. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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