DEADLOCK

1. Unresolved contention for the use of a system or component . [ From Weik '89 ] 2. In computer and data processing systems, an error condition such that processing cannot continue because each of two components or processes is waiting for an action or response from the other. [ From Weik '89 ] 3. A permanent condition in which a system cannot continue to function unless some corrective action is taken. [ From Weik '89 ]