Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

xeque-mate

Noun
/ʃɛkˈmeɪt/
Definition
Checkmate is the term used in chess when a player’s king is in a position to be captured (‘in check’) and there is no way for that player to make a legal move to escape the threat of capture.
Examples
  • After a long match, he finally achieved checkmate against his opponent.
  • In the final move, she called ‘checkmate’ and celebrated her victory.
Meaning
The term ‘checkmate’ signifies the end of a game of chess in which the king has been placed in check and cannot escape, leading to victory for the other player.
Synonyms
  • Check
  • Endgame
  • Victory