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Checkmated: meaning, definitions and examples

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checkmated

 

[ ˈʧɛkˌmeɪtɪd ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

game situation

To checkmate is to put an opponent's king in a position where it cannot escape capture. In chess, this marks the end of the game, signifying that one player has won. The term 'checkmate' originates from the Persian phrase 'Shah Mat,' meaning 'the king is dead' or 'the king is helpless.' The player delivering a checkmate has executed a strategy that forces the opponent into a position of defeat. This can happen through various combinations of pieces and moves that restrict the king's possible actions.

Synonyms

defeated, outmaneuvered, vanquished

Examples of usage

  • She checkmated her opponent in just fifteen moves.
  • After a tough match, he finally checkmated his rival.
  • The experienced player checkmated me without letting me make a single offensive move.

Translations

Translations of the word "checkmated" in other languages:

🇵🇹 mate

🇮🇳 चेकमेट

🇩🇪 schachmatt

🇮🇩 tercek

🇺🇦 мат

🇵🇱 szach

🇯🇵 チェックメイト

🇫🇷 échec et mat

🇪🇸 jaque mate

🇹🇷 şah mat

🇰🇷 체크메이트

🇸🇦 مات

🇨🇿 mat

🇸🇰 mat

🇨🇳 将死

🇸🇮 šah

🇮🇸 matt

🇰🇿 мат

🇬🇪 მატ

🇦🇿 matt

🇲🇽 jaque mate

Word origin

The term 'checkmate' has its roots in the Persian language, originating from the term 'Shah Mat,' which translates to 'the king is dead' or 'the king is helpless.' This phrase was adopted into Arabic as 'Shah Mat' as well, and then made its way into Old French as 'eschec mat,' before being integrated into Middle English. The chess terminology evolved as the game spread throughout Europe, particularly during the medieval period. Chess itself is believed to have originated in India around the 6th century and was then transmitted to Persia and subsequently to the Islamic world and Europe. The concept of 'checkmate' became a central element of the game, reflecting not only the strategic goal of chess but also the language and culture that surrounded its history. The term has since been used metaphorically in various contexts, particularly in discussions about tactics and competition.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,993, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.