gridlock
/ˈɡrɪd.lɒk/noun★Intermediate
informal
A situation where traffic is completely stopped due to congestion, often in urban areas.
The accident caused gridlock on the highway for hours.
Traffic was completely blocked, and no vehicles could move.
Gridlock is a common problem in cities with heavy traffic.
Many urban areas experience severe traffic jams regularly.
💡
Often used metaphorically to describe any situation where progress is completely halted.
Collocations
gridlock traffictraffic that is completely stoppedgridlock situationa situation where nothing can move forward
Synonyms
Antonyms
💡Pro Tip
Metaphorical Use
Gridlock can describe any situation where progress is completely halted, not just traffic.
📖Word Origin
From 'grid' (referring to city street layouts) + 'lock' (to be stuck). Coined in the mid-20th century to describe urban traffic congestion.
📝Usage Notes
Commonly used in both literal (traffic) and metaphorical (any stalled situation) contexts.
Word Breakdown
grid
a pattern of intersecting lines, often referring to city streets
rootlock
to be stuck or unable to move
rootEnglish Dictionary