logjam

noun

1. An excess of logs being conveyed on a river, so that their motion halts.
2. (figuratively)A clog or such jam or mess that halts or greatly delays progress.

   “Efforts to amend the law got sidetracked in an administrative logjam.”

   “Mr. Clinton can break the logjam by first convincing the public that he is willing to start with small but meaningful victories.”

   “It is in the interest of all NATO and E.U. members to break political logjams. Our personnel operating in the Balkans, Afghanistan, and the Gulf of Aden have already learned that lesson.”

verb

1. (transitive)To deliberately impede or delay the progress of.