logjam -
A situation where progress is halted due to a buildup of problems, delays, or obstacles.
The political negotiations reached a logjam when neither side was willing to compromise.
verb
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balk -
To hesitate or be unwilling to continue with an idea or action.
Max had made all the plans to move from his apartment to the senior citizens home, but at the last minute, he balked and just couldn’t go through with it.
verb
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restrain -
To physically or metaphorically prevent someone or something from moving, acting, or progressing.
The police officer had to restrain the crowd to prevent further chaos during the protest.
noun
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impediment -
Something that makes progress or movement difficult or impossible
Helen Keller lost her sight and hearing when she was only19 months old, but she overcame these impediments and went to college at Radcliffe and became a great author and speaker.
verb
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procrastinate -
To keep delaying something that must be done, often because it is unpleasant or boring.
They would procrastinate doing their taxes, because they found it such as stressful and boring activity.
verb
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defuse -
To reduce the tension or danger in a difficult situation.
The mediator worked hard to defuse the conflict and tension between the two sides that were trying to negotiate an agreement.
verb
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dawdle -
To delay by taking more time than necessary
"Johnny!" his mother shouted, "we have to catch the train in 30 minutes, so would you please finish getting dressed and stop dawdling."
verb
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dillydally -
To waste time through aimless wandering or indecision
Beth and Kat dillydallied outside the store instead of going inside and buying something.
verb
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dally -
To do something slowly or too slowly; to waste time
Ike had dozens of reports to read through, but he decided to dally in the office for most of the day instead of doing his work.
adjective
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stagnate -
Cease developing; become inactive or dull
The stagnating economy had left workers nervous about keeping their jobs.
noun
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impasse -
A situation where no progress is possible due to disagreement or a deadlock.
The peace talks reached an impasse when neither side was willing to compromise.
noun
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obstacle -
Something that blocks your way so that movement or progress is prevented or made more difficult.
Bill wanted to become a doctor, but a major obstacle that made that goal difficult was that he hated studying.
