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Definition of: checkmate
(chek′māt′) v.t. ·mat·ed, mat·ing
1. In chess, to put (an opponent's king) in check from which no escape is possible, thus winning the game: commonly shortened to mate.
2. Hence, to defeat by a skilful maneuver. See synonyms under CONQUER.
—noun
1. The act or position of checkmating.
2. Complete defeat. [<OF eschec mat <Arabic al-shāh māt the king is dead <Persian]
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