Gridlocked: meaning, definitions and examples

Use this word when referring to a situation where traffic is completely stopped and there's no movement at all. It’s often used for severe traffic situations in cities.

• The city was completely gridlocked during rush hour.
• After the accident, the highway became gridlocked, making it impossible to get through.

Typically used for situations where there is a lot of traffic or people, causing slow movement and overcrowding, rather than a complete stop.

• The downtown area is always congested during rush hour.
• Her nose was congested from a bad cold.

Often used to describe a situation where there is a lot of something packed into a space, causing difficulty in movement. It can refer to traffic as well as other contexts.

• The printer got jammed with paper, and I had to fix it.
• During the festival, the subway was jammed with people.

This word can be used for anything that is being prevented from passing or continuing, not only traffic. It implies an obstruction of some sort.

• The road is blocked due to construction work.
• Her view was blocked by the tall person standing in front of her at the concert.

Use 'gridlocked' to describe a situation where traffic is completely stuck and vehicles cannot move at all. This word is typically used regarding cities and downtown areas during peak hours.

• The city center was gridlocked because of the rush hour traffic.
• We were gridlocked for hours due to the parade.

Use 'block' when referring to something that prevents progress or movement, often used in a general sense for various types of obstructions. This can be physical objects, people, or even abstract concepts.

• There was a fallen tree that blocked the road.
• Her indecisiveness is blocking the project’s progress.

Use 'obstruct' when something is actively or passively blocking the way or making movement difficult. It can be employed in both physical and metaphorical contexts.

• A parked car obstructed the entrance to the alley.
• New regulations are obstructing the progress of the business.

Use 'jam' to describe a situation where there is a crowding or tight squeezing of vehicles or people, leading to a slowdown. It is often used for minor and temporary traffic issues or mechanical problems.

• There was a traffic jam on the highway this morning.
• The copier jammed again with too much paper.