gridlock
gridlock Lexical Profile
gridlock Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A severe traffic jam in which intersecting streets are so completely congested that no vehicles can move in any direction.
"An overturned delivery truck on the bridge caused total gridlock across the downtown area during the evening rush hour."
A situation of complete stalemate or deadlock, especially in politics or governance, in which no progress can be made because opposing parties refuse to compromise.
"Partisan gridlock in the legislature has delayed the approval of the annual infrastructure budget for months."
• verb
To cause or experience a severe traffic jam or a complete stalemate in which no movement or progress is possible.
"Holiday travelers are expected to gridlock the main highways leading out of the city this Friday."
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Coined in New York City around 1980 by traffic planner Sam Schwartz (originally as 'grid lock'), combining 'grid' (referring to Manhattan's street grid) and 'lock' (after 'wedlock' or 'deadlock').