Gridlock (noun)

1. A situation in which a city's streets are completely blocked by traffic and vehicles cannot move.
2. A state of inactivity or stagnation caused by the failure of a system or organization to function effectively.

Origin:

The word gridlock is a compound word formed from grid and lock. it's first recorded in the english language in the 20th century, specifically the 1970s.

Examples:

1. The city was in gridlock due to the parade.
2. The meeting ended in gridlock because no one could agree on a solution.
3. The government is in gridlock because of the stalemate in Congress.
4. The negotiations were in gridlock because of the lack of compromise.
5. The traffic was in gridlock due to the accident on the highway.