deadlock
This term evokes a sense of total paralysis and frustration, where opposing forces are perfectly balanced in their stubbornness or technical conflict. It suggests a hard stop rather than a slow-down, implying that the only way forward is a complete change in strategy or an external intervention. In technical computing contexts, it describes a specific logical failure known as a circular dependency. This differs from a general system crash or lag, as it refers specifically to the mutual waiting state between processes that prevents any further execution.
Meanings
A situation, typically in a negotiation or dispute, where no progress can be made because the parties involved cannot agree.
"The peace talks ended in a deadlock after neither side would compromise on the border issue."
A state in computing where two or more processes are unable to proceed because each is waiting for the other to release a resource.
"The system crashed due to a deadlock between the database manager and the file system."
To bring a process or negotiation to a complete standstill so that no further progress is possible.
"The sudden demand for higher wages deadlocked the negotiations between the union and the company."