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Deadlocked Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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deadlocked

[ˈdɛdˌlɒkt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

state of conflict

Deadlocked refers to a situation where progress is impossible due to opposing parties being unable to reach an agreement. It often occurs in negotiations or decision-making processes when no party is willing to compromise.

Synonyms

impasse, stalled, standstill.

Examples of usage

  • The negotiations were deadlocked for weeks.
  • The committee reached a deadlocked conclusion on the issue.
  • After hours of debate, the council found themselves deadlocked.
  • The peace talks remained deadlocked despite numerous attempts.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Politics

  • Deadlocks can occur in legislative bodies when opposing parties cannot agree on laws.
  • In a political context, it may lead to government shutdowns when no budget can be passed.
  • Negotiation deadlocks frequently arise in labor disputes, where unions and employers conflict over terms.

Psychology

  • People in deadlock situations may experience heightened stress due to the lack of resolution.
  • Cognitive biases can worsen deadlock, as individuals cling to their viewpoints instead of finding compromise.
  • Research indicates that emotions play a key role in stubbornness during negotiations, contributing to deadlocks.

Conflict Resolution

  • Mediation techniques are often employed to overcome deadlocks, helping parties find common ground.
  • Creative brainstorming can break down barriers, encouraging unique solutions to what seem like impossible problems.
  • Effective communication strategies can diffuse tensions and lead to breakthroughs in deadlocked situations.

Pop Culture

  • Films often portray deadlocked situations in dramatic contexts, heightening tension and suspense.
  • The concept is frequent in courtroom dramas, where lawyers argue irreconcilable points, leading to a legal deadlock.
  • Television shows may depict romantic deadlocks, where characters struggle between competing interests, keeping audiences engaged.

Origin of 'deadlocked'

Main points about word origin

  • The term combines 'dead,' meaning not functioning, and 'lock,' referring to something that keeps things in place.
  • First recorded in the mid-20th century, it reflects situations in politics and negotiations.
  • It’s often used in contexts where a resolution is impossible without change from one or both parties.

The term 'deadlock' originated from the combination of 'dead', which has Old English roots meaning 'deceased', and 'lock', which comes from the Old English 'loc', meaning 'to enclose or fasten'. The word was first recorded in the early 18th century, mainly referring to a situation where no further movement is possible. 'Deadlocked' as an extension of 'deadlock' came into use later, emphasizing the state of being stuck or unable to proceed, particularly in discussions or conflicts. The concept of a deadlock has applications not only in negotiations but also in legal settings, computer programming, and any scenario where two opposing forces prevent progress.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,911, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.