deadlock — A situation in which no progress is possible, especially because of disagreement; a complete standstill
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: A situation in which no progress is possible, especially because of disagreement; a complete standstill
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈdedlɑːk/
Example Sentences
- My parents reached a deadlock over whether to get a dog or a cat, so we ended up with a goldfish.
- The labor negotiations have been in deadlock for three weeks.
- After hours of Rock-Paper-Scissors matches ending in deadlock, they decided to flip a coin instead.
deadlock
NOUN[/ˈdedlɑːk/]
A situation in which no progress is possible, especially because of disagreement; a complete standstill
Complete standstill, no progress possible
Dead guy can't unlock - totally deadlocked!
A headlock creates deadlock, like doubt before wedlock
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Deadlock combines 'dead' (meaning completely or absolutely) with 'lock' (a fastening mechanism). The term emerged in the 16th century to describe a lock that cannot be opened or a situation where opposing forces create a complete standstill.
Breakdown
dead (absolutely, completely) + lock (fastening mechanism, or figuratively: a stuck state) = deadlock
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My parents reached a deadlock over whether to get a dog or a cat, so we ended up with a goldfish.”
“The labor negotiations have been in deadlock for three weeks.”
“After hours of Rock-Paper-Scissors matches ending in deadlock, they decided to flip a coin instead.”
“The jury was deadlocked and couldn't reach a verdict.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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