Definition of

Checkmate

  1. (noun, act) a chess move constituting an inescapable and indefensible attack on the opponent's king
  2. (noun, event) complete victory
  3. (verb, competition) place an opponent's king under an attack from which it cannot escape and thus ending the game

via WordNet, Princeton University

Synonyms of Checkmate

mate

Alternate forms of Checkmate

Derivations: checkmate

Hypernyms: beat, beat out, chess move, crush, shell, triumph, trounce, vanquish, victory

Origin of the word Checkmate

  1. c.1346, from O.Fr. eschec mat, ult. from Pers. shah mat, lit. "the king is left helpless," from shah "king" + mat "he is dead." more

via Online Etymology Dictionary, ©2001 Douglas Harper

Note: If you're looking to improve your vocabulary right now, we highly recommend Ultimate Vocabulary Software.

Word of the Moment

Toll

value measured by what must be given or done or undergone to obtain something