Standoff: meaning, definitions and examples

Use when two sides in a conflict are unable to agree or make any moves, often creating a tense situation. It is commonly used in political, military, or law enforcement scenarios.

• The negotiations between the two countries reached a standoff
• The police standoff lasted for hours until the suspect surrendered

Appropriate when discussions or negotiations can't move forward due to equal opposing forces or ideas. This term is often used in political, business, or legal contexts.

• The board meeting ended in a deadlock, with no agreement reached
• The jury was in deadlock, unable to decide on a verdict

Commonly used in chess but also in other situations where neither side can proceed or win. It implies that both parties are stuck with no beneficial moves left.

• The election results created a political stalemate, leaving the country without clear leadership
• The discussion turned into a stalemate, as neither side was willing to give in

Used to describe a situation where no progress can be made due to a complete lack of options. It conveys a sense of hopelessness or frustration.

• The peace talks have reached an impasse with both sides refusing to compromise
• We are at an impasse in our negotiations and need to rethink our strategy

Describes a situation where all activity has stopped. It is often used in traffic, business operations, or other scenarios where any form of movement or progress has halted.

• The accident caused a traffic standstill on the highway
• The project came to a standstill due to funding issues

This term is often used in situations of confrontation, particularly in a tense, potentially violent scenario where two parties are facing each other and neither is willing to back down.

• The police and the criminals were in a standoff after the chase.
• Negotiations between the two sides ended in a standoff.

Like 'draw', 'tie' is used in competitive scenarios to indicate that two participants have finished with the same score or outcome; common in sports and elections.

• The marathon ended in a tie, with both runners crossing the finish line simultaneously.
• The talent show resulted in a tie between the two top contestants.

This term is usually used in competitive contexts, such as sports, games, or elections, indicating that neither side has won.

• The chess match ended in a draw after hours of play.
• The football game was a draw with a score of 2-2.

Deadlock is commonly used in contexts where progress is completely halted due to a disagreement or impasse, especially in negotiations, politics, or business.

• The union and management reached a deadlock in their contract talks.
• The council's decision-making struggled to move forward due to a deadlock.

Stalemate is often used in chess but can also apply to any situation where neither side can make a move that will lead to victory, leading to a situation where no progress can be made.

• The chess game ended in a stalemate after both players had no more legal moves.
• The ongoing debate resulted in a stalemate as neither side would compromise.

Use when two parties are in a deadlock and cannot come to an agreement due to a conflict, suggesting tension.

• The negotiation ended in a standoff, with neither side willing to compromise.
• The police and the robbers were locked in a standoff outside the bank.

Use when something is delayed or prevented from making progress, often deliberately or unintentionally so.

• The meeting stalled because participants could not agree on the agenda.
• His car stalled in the middle of the intersection.

Use when stopping an activity, movement, or process, often in a formal or sudden manner.

• The train came to a sudden halt due to an emergency on the tracks.
• Production was halted due to a shortage of raw materials.

Use when something or someone suddenly stops moving or functioning, often due to shock, fear, or uncertainty.

• The deer froze as soon as it heard the hunter's footsteps.
• His computer seemed to freeze just before he could save his work.

Use when someone faces or challenges another person about an issue or problem, often suggesting a direct or bold approach.

• He decided to confront his boss about the unfair treatment.
• She had to confront her fears before she could move forward.