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Figurative Checkmate and Other Chess Terms
Checkmate is one of the most recognizable words from the world of chess. It is often found both in its original sense (referring to the placing of an opponent’s king in an inescapable position) and in a figurative one (“to thwart”). But it is just one of a number of words in English that that either originated in, or gained popularity from, the game of chess before developing an extended metaphorical sense.
End game may refer to the final stages of a game of chess or to the final stage of other actions or processes. Gambit initially had the sole meaning “a chess opening in which a player voluntarily risks one or more pawns or a minor piece to gain an advantage in position” but now may also signify “a calculated move, maneuver, or device.” And pawn has developed the sense “one that can be used often to his own disadvantage to further the purposes of another” from its original designation as the least powerful piece on the chess board.
Synonyms
Examples of checkmate in a Sentence
Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 17 July 2024
Who was the chess master, making each move with precision, making the right gambit, using his pawns, and waiting for the right moment to attack, and then simply calling checkmate?
—Dan Freedman, Forbes, 22 Oct. 2024
Simmone Shah, TIME, 3 Aug. 2024
Perhaps then, there will be a vibe shift in the workplace next year with a clear winner who turns the stalemate into a checkmate.
—Jane Thier, Fortune, 22 Dec. 2023
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Cite this Entry
“Checkmate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/checkmate. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
checkmate
1 of 2 verb
checkmate
2 of 2 noun
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