1. a situation in which no progress can be made or no advancement is possible (Freq. 1) - reached an impasse on the negotiations • Syn: deadlock, dead end, impasse, stalemate • Derivationally related forms: stand still • Hypernyms: situation 2. an interruption of normal activity • Syn: stand, tie-up • Derivationally related forms: tie up (for: tie-up), stand (for: stand) • Hypernyms: stop, halt