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View synonyms for

gridlock

[grid-lok]

noun

  1. the stoppage of free vehicular movement in an urban area because key intersections are blocked by traffic.

  2. the blocking of an intersection by vehicular traffic entering the intersection but unable to pass through it.

  3. any situation in which nothing can move or proceed in any direction.

    a financial gridlock due to high interest rates.



gridlock

/ ˈɡɪˌɒ /

noun

  1. obstruction of urban traffic caused by queues of vehicles forming across junctions and causing further queues to form in the intersecting streets

  2. a point in a dispute at which no agreement can be reached; deadlock

    political gridlock

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

verb

  1. (tr) (of traffic) to block or obstruct (an area)

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Other Word Forms

  • gridlocked adjective
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Word History and Origins

Origin of gridlock1

An Americanism dating back to 1975–80; grid + lock 1
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

But, Mr Dreier worries that there is a strong possibility that political gridlock might mean that no budget will be agreed.

From

Thousands fled packed streets in the densely populated area following the evacuation warning, causing a traffic gridlock.

From

More drivers means more potential gridlock, but the midmorning traveler has a better chance of being rewarded with a speedier commute.

From

By tactfully building connections before you make your move, you’ll ease your transition into a new field and avoid the career gridlock that often comes from trying to navigate change alone.

From

Today’s congressional gridlock and partisanship make it rare for a bipartisan group of 60 senators to agree to anything, let alone a spending bill.

From

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