gridlock
GRID-lok
/ˈɡrɪdlɑːk/
A traffic jam so severe that movement in an entire network of intersecting streets comes to a complete standstill; metaphorically, a state of complete political or operational paralysis.
Implies a multi-directional deadlock where no vehicle can move because other vehicles are blocking the intersections ahead.
The story behind the word. Coined in New York City in the early 1970s by traffic engineers, specifically Sam Schwartz. It described how a gridiron layout of city streets becomes completely locked when drivers enter intersections without space to clear them, blocking perpendicular traffic.
Word relationships
- stalemate: 'Stalemate' comes from chess and applies primarily to political/argumentative deadlocks, whereas 'gridlock' originates in physical traffic.
- impasse: 'Impasse' refers to a road with no exit or a situation where progress is impossible due to disagreement.
- free-flow: Unobstructed, smooth movement of vehicles or processes.
Commonly confused with
- bottleneck: 'Bottleneck' is a localized narrowing causing delays; 'gridlock' is a complete network-wide paralysis.
Word family
- gridlocked (adjective): Blocked completely so that no movement is possible.
Collocations
- traffic gridlock
- political gridlock
- total gridlock
- cause gridlock
Idioms & expressions
- break the gridlock (resolve a complete standstill)
Example sentences
- "A minor accident at the central intersection caused gridlock across twelve city blocks during rush hour." Urban traffic collapse
- "Legislative gridlock prevented the council from passing the annual transport budget." Political stalemate
Memory hook
A GRID of streets gets LOCKED into absolute immobility. Grid of streets, totally locked.
When not to use
Do not use for minor delays or single-lane slow traffic where vehicles are still creeping forward.
Fun facts
- The term was officially added to English dictionaries after the famous 1980 NYC transit strike forced thousands of extra cars onto city streets.
Related words
Explore more words
impasse, congestion, bottleneck, obstruct, filibuster, Intransigent
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