checkmate

Pluralcheckmates

Formscheckmates, checkmating, checkmated

1. 1
   nouncountable or uncountable

   In chess, the winning move that traps the other player's king so it cannot escape capture.

   Like trapping someone in a corner so they have nowhere left to run.

   He won the game with a clever checkmate in just twenty moves.

   The young player saw the checkmate coming and gave up early.

   Similarmate

   Note
2. 2
   verbtransitive

   In chess, to trap the other player's king so that the game is won.

   Like cornering someone in a game of tag so they cannot get away.

   She checkmated her opponent in under thirty moves.

   If you move your rook there, you can checkmate the black king.

   Similarmate

   Note
3. 3
   nounfigurativelyuncountable

   A situation where you have lost completely and cannot escape or fix things.

   Like being trapped in a maze with every door locked.

   Losing his last client felt like checkmate for the small business.

   When the evidence surfaced, it was checkmate for the defense.

4. 4
   verbtransitive

   To trap someone in a losing situation they cannot get out of.

   Like backing someone into a corner so they cannot move.

   The prosecutor's final question checkmated the witness.

   One smart move can checkmate a rival company overnight.

   Similardefeat, outmaneuver, thwart, scupper

5. 5
   interjection

   Said out loud in chess to announce the move that wins the game.

   Like shouting "Game over!" the moment you win.

   "Checkmate!" she said, sliding her queen into place.

   He moved his rook, grinned, and announced, "Checkmate."

   Note
6. 6
   interjection

   Said when you have completely beaten someone and they have no way out.

   Like saying "Gotcha!" when someone has no way to argue back.

   "Checkmate," she smiled, laying the signed confession on the table.

   He revealed the final clue and whispered, "Checkmate."

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