gridlock

[ grid-lok ]
/ ˈgrɪdˌlɒk /

noun

the stoppage of free vehicular movement in an urban area because key intersections are blocked by traffic.
the blocking of an intersection by vehicular traffic entering the intersection but unable to pass through it.
any situation in which nothing can move or proceed in any direction: a financial gridlock due to high interest rates.

Origin of gridlock

An Americanism dating back to 1975–80; grid + lock1

OTHER WORDS FROM gridlock

grid·locked, adjective

Example sentences from the Web for gridlock

British Dictionary definitions for gridlock

gridlock
/ (ˈɡrɪdˌlɒk) mainly US /

noun

obstruction of urban traffic caused by queues of vehicles forming across junctions and causing further queues to form in the intersecting streets
a point in a dispute at which no agreement can be reached; deadlock political gridlock

verb

(tr) (of traffic) to block or obstruct (an area)