DEADLOCK

deadlock, dead end, impasse, stalemate, standstill

(noun) a situation in which no progress can be made or no advancement is possible; “reached an impasse on the negotiations”

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

deadlock (countable and uncountable, plural deadlocks)

A standstill resulting from the opposition of two evenly matched forces; a stalemate or impasse

(computing) An inability to continue due to two programs or devices each requiring a response from the other before completing an operation.

Verb

deadlock (third-person singular simple present deadlocks, present participle deadlocking, simple past and past participle deadlocked)

To cause or to come to a deadlock.

Source: Wiktionary

Dead"lock`, n.

1. A lock which is not self-latching, but requires a key to throw the bolt forward.

2. A counteraction of things, which produces an entire stoppage; a complete obstruction of action. Things are at a deadlock. London Times. The Board is much more likely to be at a deadlock of two to two. The Century.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition