1. plural of checkmate; winning moves in chess that put the opponent’s king in inescapable check
2. complete defeats or situations where someone is completely outmaneuvered
Usage: figurative

1. third person singular present of checkmate; puts an opponent’s king in checkmate in chess
2. completely defeats or outmaneuvers someone
Usage: figurative

Examples

• The grandmaster delivered three brilliant checkmates in the tournament.
• She checkmates her opponent with a surprising queen sacrifice.
• The detective’s clever plan checkmates the criminal’s escape attempt.
• His strategic moves led to several quick checkmates.
• The politician checkmates his rival with damaging evidence.
• These checkmates demonstrate advanced chess tactics.
• The coach checkmates the opposing team’s strategy.