gridlock

/ˈɡrɪd.lɒk/

severe traffic congestion

The city was in gridlock during rush hour.

Traffic was completely stopped, making it impossible to move.

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

Gridlock can describe any situation where progress is completely halted, not just traffic.

From 'grid' (referring to city street layouts) + 'lock' (to be stuck). Coined in the mid-20th century to describe urban traffic congestion.

Commonly used in both literal (traffic) and metaphorical (any stalled situation) contexts.

grid

a pattern of intersecting lines, often referring to city streets

root

lock

to be stuck or unable to move

root

English Dictionary