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
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
The duel didn’t disappoint, as Langford and the Eagles broke a 2-2 deadlock, punching across a pair of runs in the bottom of the sixth to emerge with a 4-2 triumph over the Falcons.
—
Mike Waters, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Mar. 2026
As a result of quick passing combinations at the top of the box, Linda Ullmark found Kiki van Zanten to break the deadlock with a left-footed finish in the 43rd minute.
—ABC News, 21 Mar. 2026
In an effort to break the deadlock, von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa offered this week to pay for repairs to the pipeline.
—Lorne Cook, Arkansas Online, 20 Mar. 2026
Fraser Minten, who had hit a post in the first period, clanged the crossbar on a redirect just as a power play had expired and the sides went into the third in a 0-0 deadlock.
—Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 11 Mar. 2026
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Mike Waters, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Mar. 2026
As a result of quick passing combinations at the top of the box, Linda Ullmark found Kiki van Zanten to break the deadlock with a left-footed finish in the 43rd minute.
—ABC News, 21 Mar. 2026
In an effort to break the deadlock, von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa offered this week to pay for repairs to the pipeline.
—Lorne Cook, Arkansas Online, 20 Mar. 2026
Fraser Minten, who had hit a post in the first period, clanged the crossbar on a redirect just as a power play had expired and the sides went into the third in a 0-0 deadlock.
—Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 11 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for deadlock
Cite this Entry
“Deadlock.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deadlock. Accessed 27 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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