noun

gridlock

traffic jam, standstill, deadlock

The city centre was in complete gridlock.

The city center was in complete gridlock.

Political gridlock has prevented any progress.

Political gridlock has prevented any progress.

((in)) gridlock to be in a state of gridlock The city center was in complete gridlock.

Synonyms: traffic jam, congestion, bottleneck, deadlock

A compound word from 'grid' (a network of intersecting lines, like streets) and 'lock' (to fasten or become immovable).

Imagine a grid of city streets where all the cars are 'locked' in place and cannot move.

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