grid·lock
ˈgrid-ˌläk
1
: a traffic jam in which a grid of intersecting streets is so completely congested that no vehicular movement is possible
2
: a situation resembling gridlock (as in congestion or lack of movement)
political gridlock
gridlocked; gridlocking; gridlocks
: to cause to be in a state or situation in which movement or progress is stopped completely : to produce gridlock in or of
streets gridlocked by heavy traffic
a government gridlocked by partisan rancor
Neighbors of the proposed site near the intersection … told commissioners they were concerned the school would bring hundreds of additional cars to the area, further gridlocking already bumper-to-bumper traffic.—Kyra Gurney
Almost immediately, heavy rains had gridlocked the narrow supply trail from Siboney on the coast.—Michael Blow
also
: to experience gridlock
This statement came while Congress gridlocked yet again on a campaign finance measure. —David Corn
Cite this Entry
“Gridlock.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gridlock. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.
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