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Gridlock: meaning, definitions and examples

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gridlock

 

[ ˈɡrɪd.lɒk ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

traffic congestion

Gridlock refers to a situation where traffic in a road network reaches a complete standstill due to the overwhelming volume of vehicles. It is characterized by a complete lack of movement, resulting in significant delays and frustration for drivers.

Synonyms

congestion, standstill, traffic jam

Examples of usage

  • The city experienced gridlock during rush hour as commuters tried to make their way home.
  • The gridlock on the highway lasted for hours, causing many drivers to abandon their cars and walk instead.

Translations

Translations of the word "gridlock" in other languages:

🇵🇹 engarrafamento

🇮🇳 यातायात जाम

🇩🇪 Verkehrsinfarkt

🇮🇩 kemacetan lalu lintas

🇺🇦 транспортний затор

🇵🇱 korek drogowy

🇯🇵 交通渋滞 (こうつうじゅうたい)

🇫🇷 embouteillage

🇪🇸 embotellamiento

🇹🇷 trafik sıkışıklığı

🇰🇷 교통 체증 (gyotong chejeung)

🇸🇦 ازدحام مروري

🇨🇿 dopravní zácpa

🇸🇰 dopravná zápcha

🇨🇳 交通堵塞 (jiāotōng dǔsè)

🇸🇮 prometni zastoj

🇮🇸 umferðarteppa

🇰🇿 көлік кептелісі

🇬🇪 სატრანსპორტო საცობი

🇦🇿 nəqliyyat sıxlığı

🇲🇽 embotellamiento

Word origin

The term 'gridlock' originated in the 1970s in the United States, initially used to describe political stalemates. It gained popularity in the context of traffic congestion shortly after, becoming a widely recognized term for situations of complete road blockage. The word combines 'grid' as in a network of intersecting streets and 'lock' as in the state of being immovable or stuck.

See also: grid, gridlocked.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,820 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.