Definition of "checkmate" in English

interjection

1. (chess) Word called out by the victor when making a move that wins the game.

2. (by extension) Said when one has placed a person in a losing situation with no escape.

noun

1. (chess) The conclusive victory in a game of chess that occurs when an opponent's king is threatened with unavoidable capture.

2. (figuratively, by extension) Any losing situation with no escape; utter defeat.

verb

1. (transitive, chess) To put the king of an opponent into checkmate.

   • My opponent checkmated me in four moves!

2. (transitive, by extension) To place in a losing situation that has no escape.