gridlock
UK[ˈɡrɪdlɒk]US[ˈɡrɪdlɑːk]
n
a situation in which streets are so blocked with traffic that vehicles cannot move.
n
a situation in which no progress can be made because people cannot agree or because rules are too strict.
Morpheme Breakdown
grid
lock
grid
lock
Etymology
the word 'gridlock' is a modern english compound, originating in the late 20th century from the combination of 'grid' and 'lock'. 'grid' is a shortening of 'gridiron', referring to a network of intersecting lines, such as those on a map of city streets. 'lock' derives from old english, denoting a state of being fixed or unable to move. the term was coined to vividly describe the complete paralysis of traffic within an urban street grid, where vehicles are so densely packed that movement becomes impossible. this concrete image was later extended metaphorically to describe any deadlocked situation where progress is halted.
Analysis
Structure: grid + lock
grid (english, from 'gridiron', meaning a framework of parallel bars; functions as a noun base). lock (english, from old english 'loc', meaning a fastening or an immovable condition; functions as a noun base).
Examples
the accident caused total gridlock in the city center for over an hour.
political gridlock prevented the passage of the crucial bill.
we were stuck in gridlock on the freeway during rush hour.