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.
noun
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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
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derail -
To obstruct or divert from an expected or intended course.
The train was derailed by a fallen tree during the storm.
verb
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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.
verb
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kibosh -
When an idea or plan is spoiled or stopped, often due to unforseen circumstances.
Keith was going to go to the museum, but his sudden illness put the kibosh on his plans.
verb
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sidestep -
To deliberately avoid or divert attention from a certain subject, often to avoid dealing with it.
During the press conference, he sidestepped questions that he didn't want to focus on or deal with.
adjective
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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
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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.
noun
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impediment -
Something that obstructs or slows down progress; a hindrance or obstacle.
His lack of funding was a major impediment to starting his business.
verb
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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
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pardon -
To forgive someone for a crime or wrongdoing, and end imprisonment or bad feelings.
The president decided to pardon the prisoner after reviewing the case.
verb
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relinquish -
To voluntarily let go of something, such as a right, possession, or responsibility.
After years of running the company, he decided to relinquish control and pass the leadership to his successor.
