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Checkmate: meaning, definitions and examples

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checkmate

 

[ ˈtʃɛkmeɪt ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

chess terminology

Checkmate is a situation in chess where a player's king is in a position to be captured ('in check') and there is no way for that player to move the king out of capture. This signifies the end of the game, with the player whose king has been checkmated losing the game. The term is derived from the Persian phrase 'Shah Mat', meaning 'the king is dead'. It embodies the ultimate goal in chess, which is to outmaneuver and corner the opponent's king.

Synonyms

check, checkmating, defeat

Examples of usage

  • After a long game, I finally put my opponent in checkmate.
  • The final move was checkmate, sealing my victory.
  • In chess, achieving checkmate is the ultimate goal.

Translations

Translations of the word "checkmate" in other languages:

🇵🇹 xeque-mate

🇮🇳 चेकमैट

🇩🇪 Schachmatt

🇮🇩 skak mat

🇺🇦 шах і мат

🇵🇱 szach mat

🇯🇵 チェックメイト

🇫🇷 échec et mat

🇪🇸 jaque mate

🇹🇷 şah mat

🇰🇷 체크메이트

🇸🇦 كش ملك

🇨🇿 šach mat

🇸🇰 šach mat

🇨🇳 将死

🇸🇮 šah-mat

🇮🇸 skák mat

🇰🇿 шах мат

🇬🇪 შახ-მატ

🇦🇿 şah mat

🇲🇽 jaque mate

Etymology

The word 'checkmate' has its roots in the Persian phrase 'Shah Mat', which translates to 'the king is dead' or 'the king is helpless'. This phrase entered the Arabic language as 'Shah Mat', which later found its way into Old French as 'eschec mat', before evolving into the term we use today in English. The earliest recorded use of 'checkmate' in English dates back to the 14th century. Checkmate not only marks a victory in chess but also signifies strategic thinking and foresight. Over centuries, the term has transcended the boundaries of chess and has been metaphorically used to describe any situation where one person or entity has successfully outmaneuvered another, leaving them with no options. Thus, checkmate has become emblematic of ultimate defeat and the culmination of tactical skill.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,759 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.