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Deadlock: meaning, definitions and examples

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deadlock

 

[ ˈdɛdlɒk ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

computer science

A situation in which two or more competing actions are each waiting for the other to finish, preventing any progress from being made. Deadlocks can occur in various computing environments such as databases, operating systems, and networks.

Synonyms

impasse, stalemate, standstill

Examples of usage

  • The deadlock in the database prevented any further updates from being processed.
  • The deadlock in the operating system caused the system to freeze.
Context #2 | Noun

general

A situation in which no progress can be made because of a disagreement or stalemate between two opposing parties or individuals.

Synonyms

dead end, gridlock, logjam

Examples of usage

  • The negotiations reached a deadlock when neither party was willing to compromise.
  • The deadlock between the two countries led to a diplomatic crisis.

Translations

Translations of the word "deadlock" in other languages:

🇵🇹 impasse

🇮🇳 गतिरोध

🇩🇪 Sackgasse

🇮🇩 jalan buntu

🇺🇦 глухий кут

🇵🇱 martwy punkt

🇯🇵 行き詰まり (いきづまり)

🇫🇷 impasse

🇪🇸 callejón sin salida

🇹🇷 çıkmaz

🇰🇷 막다른 길

🇸🇦 طريق مسدود

🇨🇿 slepá ulička

🇸🇰 slepá ulička

🇨🇳 死胡同 (sǐ hútóng)

🇸🇮 slepa ulica

🇮🇸 blindgata

🇰🇿 шыға алмайтын жол

🇬🇪 ჩიხი (ch'ikhi)

🇦🇿 çıxılmaz vəziyyət

🇲🇽 callejón sin salida

Word origin

The term 'deadlock' originated in the 19th century, combining 'dead' (meaning complete, absolute) and 'lock' (to fasten or secure). It was initially used in the context of physical objects being securely fastened, and later evolved to describe situations where progress is completely halted due to a deadlock or impasse.

See also: dead, deadbeat, deaden, deadline, deadliness, deadly, deadness, deadpan, undead.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,733, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.