deadlock

noun

dead·​lock ˈded-ˌläk How to pronounce deadlock (audio)
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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
With less than two weeks to go before the election, recent polls have suggested that the presidential race is essentially in a deadlock, with both Harris and Trump at comparably small margins. Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 26 Oct. 2024 In 1996, three years after their first trial ended in a deadlock, the siblings were convicted of the first-degree murders and subsequently sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Christine Pelisek, People.com, 25 Oct. 2024 And the government has been in political deadlock for months, with the parliament failing to elect a president 12 times. Carmen Sesin, NBC News, 26 Sep. 2024 While Trump-Vance is running circles around Harris-Walz in terms of press engagement, polling shows that the pair are in a national deadlock, with Trump leading Harris by just 47% to 46% as well as being neck-and-neck in all seven swing states. Elaine Mallon, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 19 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for deadlock 

Word History

First Known Use

1779, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of deadlock was in 1779

Dictionary Entries Near deadlock

Cite this Entry

“Deadlock.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deadlock. Accessed 12 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

deadlock

noun
dead·​lock -ˌläk How to pronounce deadlock (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce deadlock (audio)
: 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
c
: a state in which corporate directors are unable to perform their functions because of shareholder voting
deadlock verb

More from Merriam-Webster on deadlock

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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