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

After the Spartans tied the match a little later, Menlo’s leading scorer Roya Rezaee headed in a corner kick from Krista Arreola to break the 1-1 deadlock. —Mike Lefkow, The Mercury News, 2 Mar. 2025

The jury’s deadlock on McClain’s charges may give rise to another round of excuses to do nothing. —Megan Crepeau, Chicago Tribune, 16 Feb. 2025

The Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Eleanor J. Hunter declared a mistrial on Osborn’s charges due to the jury’s deadlock. —Charna Flam, People.com, 5 Feb. 2025

TikTok's restoration signals a potential shift toward resolving the deadlock between policymakers and the company, although its future remains uncertain. —David Faris, Newsweek, 19 Jan. 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