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Impasse Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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impasse

[หˆษชmpรฆs ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in a negotiation

A situation in which no progress can be made; a deadlock or stalemate.

Synonyms

deadlock, gridlock, stalemate, standstill.

Examples of usage

  • The talks reached an impasse when neither party was willing to compromise.
  • We have been at an impasse for weeks now, unable to reach a resolution.
Context #2 | Noun

in a decision-making process

A situation in which no progress can be made due to disagreement or inability to make a decision.

Synonyms

deadlock, gridlock, stalemate, standoff.

Examples of usage

  • The committee has come to an impasse on the issue of funding.
  • The impasse in the boardroom led to delays in the project.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Political Context

  • In negotiations, an impasse often occurs when parties fail to reach a consensus after lengthy discussions.
  • Impasse situations can lead to strikes, where workers and employers cannot agree on terms.
  • Political impasses can result in legislative gridlock, hindering the passing of laws and reforms.

Psychology

  • People often experience impasses in decision-making when they feel overwhelmed by options.
  • The concept of 'analysis paralysis' is related, where overthinking leads to no action or choice.
  • Conflict resolution techniques aim to break impasses by encouraging open communication and creative solutions.

Literature

  • In narratives, characters often face impasses that challenge their development and drive story tension.
  • Plays, such as John Patrick Shanleyโ€™s 'Doubt', illustrate impasses in relationships, creating suspense and introspection.
  • Many poetic works explore existential impasses reflecting the human condition and dilemmas of life.

Pop Culture

  • Films often depict impasses as climactic moments, where characters must confront their deepest conflicts.
  • The video game 'The Talos Principle' features puzzles representing existential impasses, forcing players to think critically.
  • In reality TV shows, impasses between contestants can lead to dramatic confrontations and emotional moments.

Origin of 'impasse'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from French, meaning 'a blocked passage' or 'dead end'.
  • It combines 'in-', meaning 'not', and 'passer', meaning 'to pass', indicating a blockage.
  • The term began to appear in English around the late 19th century, reflecting political and social debates.

The word 'impasse' originated in French, from the verb 'embarrasser' meaning 'to block, to obstruct'. It entered the English language in the late 19th century. The term has been used in various contexts to describe situations of deadlock, standstill, or gridlock where progress is hindered.

See also: bypass, impassable, overpass, passable, passably, passage, passcode, passรฉ, passenger, passer, passing, passingly, passion, passionately, passive, passkey, underpass, unpassability, unpassable.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,930, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.