deadlock -
A situation where opposing sides can't make progress to resolve their differences
Congress couldn't pass any new bills because the political and emotional deadlock between the Republicans and Democrats on almost every issue.
verb
2 of 20
Other /
Stop
audio
curtail -
To stop, reduce or limit something.
Tripling the fine for speeding was successful in curtailing the number of traffic accidents caused by speeding.
verb
3 of 20
Other /
Stop
Url
audio
avert -
To avoid or dodge a difficult situation.
At the last minute he realized that the bridge was broken, and he stopped the car just in time, averting a disaster of potentially driving headlong into the river.
verb
4 of 20
Other /
Stop
Url
audio
intercept -
To stop and catch something before it is able to reach its destination.
The Iron Dome intercepts enemy missiles by tracking and hitting the missiles before they land.
verb
5 of 20
Other /
Stop
Url
audio
intervene -
To come between two people, groups, or events to prevent or change an outcome.
The teachers had to intervene when the students started arguing in the school yard.
verb
6 of 20
Other /
Stop
Url
audio
dissuade -
To advise against a specific decision or behavior, and discourage someone from taking a particular action.
She couldn't take the stress of her work, but her friends tried to dissuade her from quitting her job without a backup plan.
verb
7 of 20
Other /
Stop
Url
audio
deter -
To prevent (or aim to prevent) the occurrence of something through fear of consequences.
A barking dog can deter burglars from breaking into a home.
adjective
8 of 20
Other /
Stop
audio
stuck -
Unable to move.
Marvin felt stuck in his low paying job, but he had a bit of hope that someday things would open up and change for the better.
verb
9 of 20
Other /
Stop
Url
audio
derail -
To obstruct or divert from an expected or intended course.
The train was derailed by a fallen tree during the storm.
verb
10 of 20
Other /
Stop
Url
audio
clog -
To become blocked or filled so that movement or activity is slowed or stopped.
Some dirt was clogging the sink, so that the water in the sink didn't drain properly.
adjective
11 of 20
Other /
Stop
Url
audio
abrupt -
Sudden and unexpected, often in an unpleasant way
The company was not succeeding, mostly because the CEO kept abruptly changing the goals of where the company should be heading, and the methods for achieving those goals.
verb
12 of 20
Other /
Stop
audio
shackle -
Something that prevents freedom of movement, literally or figuratively
Because John had so much debt, he felt he couldn't consider switching careers, and therefore felt shackled to a job that he hated.
