Definition of "deadlock" []

• A standstill resulting from the opposition of two unrelenting forces or factions. (noun)
• Sports A tied score. (noun)
• Computer Science A failure or inability to proceed due to two programs or devices both requiring a response from the other before completing an operation. (noun)
• To bring or come to a deadlock. (verb-transitive)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "I agree that the focus in the ed reform conversation needs to be on concrete action that supports what's best for kids, and I understand that endless collaborative discussion that ultimately yields deadlock is a frustrating waste of everyone's time."
• "Clashes between Mr. Yushchenko and his former Orange ally Prime Minister Ms. Tymoshenko left government in deadlock, hampering reform efforts and deepening the pain of the economic crisis."
• "Talks between New Zealand's prime minister and Hollywood executives over the future of the Hobbit films ended in deadlock earlier today."