deadlock
UK: ˈdɛdlɒk | US: ˈdɛdlɑːk
n. 1. A situation where opposing forces or parties are unable to proceed or reach agreement, resulting in a standstill.
n. 2. (Computing) A state where two or more processes are unable to continue because each is waiting for the other to release resources.
deadlock = dead<lifeless> + lock<fasten>
- dead: From Old English dēad, meaning "lifeless" or "without progress."
- lock: From Old English loc, meaning "fastening" or "barrier," often implying immobility.
Etymology Origin:
The term deadlock emerged in the early 18th century, combining dead (emphasizing absolute stagnation) and lock (suggesting an unyielding hold). Originally used in mechanical contexts (e.g., gears stuck in place), it later expanded to describe unresolvable conflicts in politics, negotiations, and computing. The imagery of "lifeless fixation" captures the essence of the word’s logic.
The negotiations reached a deadlock when neither side would compromise.
A deadlock in the system caused the software to freeze.
The union and management are in a deadlock over wage increases.
To avoid deadlock, the algorithm prioritizes resource allocation.
The political deadlock delayed the passage of critical legislation.