deadlock

noun

dead·​lock ˈded-ˌläk How to pronounce deadlock (audio)
Synonyms of deadlocknext
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

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The pair combined impeccably to break the deadlock last week, and the latter could make history by becoming the first Inter player to strike in five consecutive Champions League appearances. — David Ferrini, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025 The first of Rice’s heroic efforts came in the 58th minute, with the 26-year-old breaking the deadlock with a shot that whipped around the Real Madrid wall into the corner of the net. — Ben Church, CNN Money, 8 Apr. 2025 The deadlock spares Nichols, again, from a death sentence. — Todd Pendleton, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025 Davison broke that deadlock with a tough driving layup. — Zack Cox, Hartford Courant, 13 Apr. 2025 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

Rhymes for deadlock

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Browse Nearby Words

dead load
deadlock
dead loss
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Cite this Entry

“Deadlock.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deadlock. Accessed 11 May. 2025.

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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
: impasse
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

Nglish: Translation of deadlock for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about deadlock

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