a state in which progress is impossible, as in a dispute, produced by the counteraction of opposing forces; standstill; stalemate

The union and management reached a deadlock over fringe benefits.

deadbolt.

a maximum-security cell for the solitary confinement of a prisoner.

to bring or come to a deadlock.

noun

agreement , breakthrough

noun

box * , catch-22 * , cessation , checkmate , corner , dead end , dead heat , dilemma , draw , full stop , gridlock , halt , hole , pause , pickle , plight , posture , predicament , quandary , standoff , standstill , tie , wall *notes:stalemate does not end - it is the outcome (stale in stalemate is from anglo-norman meaning \'be placed\'); a standoff or deadlock can end , stalemate , impasse