logjam

noun log·jam \ˈlȯg-ˌjam, ˈläg-\

: a situation in which a large number of logs floating down a river become tangled with each other so that further movement is not possible

: a situation in which no progress seems possible

Full Definition of LOGJAM

: a jumble of logs jammed together in a watercourse

a : deadlock, impasse <trying to break the logjam in negotiations>

b : blockage

c : jam, crowd

— logjam transitive verb

See logjam defined for English-language learners

1885

Synonyms: backup, bottleneck, jam-up, jam, snarl, tailback [British], tie-up

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