deadlock

Plural: deadlocks

Noun

• a situation in which no progress can be made or no advancement is possible
• A standstill resulting from the opposition of two evenly matched forces; a stalemate or impasse.
• An inability to continue due to two programs or devices each requiring a response from the other before completing an operation.
• Synonym of deadbolt (“type of lock”).

Verb

Verb Forms: deadlocked, deadlocking, deadlocks

• To bring to a standstill where no progress can be made.
• To cause or come to a deadlock.

Examples

• The game would often DEADLOCK when both players held nothing but vowels.
• The negotiation ended in deadlock, with neither party willing to compromise on the price.

Synonyms

dead end, impasse, stalemate, standstill, deadbolt

Anagrams of deadlock