deadlocks

Negotiations going nowhere

Deadlocks are situations where no progress can be made because opposing parties or forces are stuck waiting on each other.

In computing, a deadlock occurs when two processes each hold a resource the other needs, so neither can proceed: The system crashed due to a deadlock between competing threads.

In negotiations or disputes, a deadlock is an impasse: Contract talks reached a deadlock over wages.

The singular deadlock serves as both noun and verb—to deadlock is to bring to a standstill.

impasse

stalemate

Mutual obstruction preventing progress

standoffUnresolved confrontation between opponents
gridlockComplete mutual obstruction
logjamObstruction halting flow

standstill · dead-end · quagmire · halt · paralysis · inaction · blockade · obstruction · roadblock · bottleneck

computing

semaphore

Flag-based signaling system

threadFiber for stitching
processSteps toward a result
concurrencyOverlapping execution of tasks

race condition · starvation · synchronization · blocking · multithreading · scheduling · multiprocessing · monitor · critical section

negotiation

talks

Speaks with others

bargainingNegotiating mutually acceptable terms
mediationIntervention to resolve conflict
arbitrationNon-court binding dispute resolution

diplomacy · compromise · conciliation · dialogue · summit · parley · trade-offs · concessions · deal-making · peacemaking

hair

dreadlocks

Ropelike matted hair strands

locsMatted rope-shaped hair
twistsRotational bends or turns
coilsConnected loops of material

braids · cornrows · natural hair · protective style · matted · knotted · freeform · crochet · maintenance · sectioning

locks

deadbolt

Key-operated door lock

boltThreaded rod for nuts
latchDoor-securing catch
cylinderCircular-based solid form

tumbler · keyhole · security · mortise · pickproof · hasp · shackle · masterkey · combination · strike plate

deadlocks

stalemate

semaphore

talks

dreadlocks

deadbolt

deadlocks

Opposites

Phrases

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