deadlock Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a situation in which no progress can be made or no advancement is possible
    dead end; impasse; standstill; stalemate.
    • reached an impasse on the negotiations

WordNet

Dead"lock` noun
Definitions
  1. A lock which is not self-latching, but requires a key to throw the bolt forward.
  2. A counteraction of things, which produces an entire stoppage; a complete obstruction of action.
    Things are at a deadlock. London Times.
    The Board is much more likely to be at a deadlock of two to two. The Century.

Webster 1913