gridlocked
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈɡrɪdˌlɒkt/
KK: /ˈɡrɪdˌlɑkt/
adjective
Definition
Stuck in a situation where movement is impossible, often due to heavy traffic or a blockage.
Example
The city was gridlocked during rush hour, causing everyone to be late.
Conversation
Did you see the traffic report? They said the whole city is gridlocked right now.
Ugh, that sounds so frustrating! I hate being stuck in traffic.
I know, right? It makes me want to find a new route home.
Same here! I might just take the back roads to avoid the gridlocked streets.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
stuck
jammed
trapped
Antonyms
flowing
free
unimpeded
verb
Definition
To be in a situation where traffic cannot move because the roads are blocked or congested.
Example
The city was gridlocked during the rush hour, causing everyone to be late.
Tense Forms
Past: gridlocked
Past Participle: gridlocked
Conversation
I was stuck in traffic for hours yesterday.
Really? What happened?
The whole road was gridlocked because of an accident.
Root Explanation
Gridlocked → The word is formed from "grid" (from Middle English *gridde*, meaning a network or framework) and "locked" (from Old English *locian*, meaning to fasten or secure). The term describes a situation where vehicles are unable to move due to being trapped in a network of roads, resembling a locked grid.
Memory Tip
Imagine a network of roads ('grid') where vehicles are 'fastened' or stuck ('locked') — that's what gridlocked means.
Visually Confused Words
No commonly confused words.