Gridlock Definition

grĭdlŏk
noun
A traffic jam, as at an intersection, in which no vehicle can move in any direction.
Webster's New World
Any obstructed condition or impasse.
Airport gridlock, gridlock in the Senate.
Webster's New World
A complete lack of movement or progress resulting in a backup or stagnation.
American Heritage

On a smaller scale: the situation in which cars enter a signal-controlled intersection too late during the green light cycle, and are unable to clear the intersection (due to congestion in the next block) when the light turns red, thus blocking the cross traffic when it's their turn to go. Repeated at enough intersections, this phenomenon can lead to citywide gridlock.

Wiktionary

Figuratively and by extension, any paralysis of a complex system due to severe congestion, conflict, or deadlock.

Wiktionary
Synonyms:
verb
To cause gridlock in.
Webster's New World

Origin of Gridlock

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