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
Indirect negotiations between Hamas and Israel aimed at securing a 60-day ceasefire in the Gaza war and a deal for the release of half the hostages ended last week in deadlock.
—
Emily Rose, USA Today, 3 Aug. 2025
At the same time, the latest deadlock in Israel-Hamas ceasefire and hostage release talks is likely to further prolong the conflict, which continues to rage on in Gaza.
—Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 July 2025
But on Monday, a federal appeals court overturned the conviction because of how the trial judge handled a note from the jury during Hernandez’s second trial, which took place in 2017 — the first trial took place in 2015 and ended in a jury deadlock.
—Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 21 July 2025
While Cannone sent the jury back to deliberate further, the trial ultimately ended with a deadlock, leading the Norfolk County Superior Court judge to declare a mistrial on July 1.
—Jordana Comiter, People.com, 18 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for deadlock
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Emily Rose, USA Today, 3 Aug. 2025
At the same time, the latest deadlock in Israel-Hamas ceasefire and hostage release talks is likely to further prolong the conflict, which continues to rage on in Gaza.
—Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 July 2025
But on Monday, a federal appeals court overturned the conviction because of how the trial judge handled a note from the jury during Hernandez’s second trial, which took place in 2017 — the first trial took place in 2015 and ended in a jury deadlock.
—Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 21 July 2025
While Cannone sent the jury back to deliberate further, the trial ultimately ended with a deadlock, leading the Norfolk County Superior Court judge to declare a mistrial on July 1.
—Jordana Comiter, People.com, 18 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for deadlock
Cite this Entry
“Deadlock.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deadlock. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.
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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