Definitions for stalemateˈsteɪlˌmeɪt

This page provides all possible meanings and translations of the word stalemate

Princeton's WordNet



    "reached an impasse on the negotiations"

  2. stalemate(verb)


  3. stalemate(verb)

    subject to a stalemate


  1. stalemate(Noun)


  2. stalemate(Noun)

    Any situation that has no obvious possible movement, but does not involve any personal loss.

  3. stalemate(Verb)


  4. stalemate(Verb)


  5. Origin: stale + mate "checkmate"

Webster Dictionary

  1. Stalemate(noun)

    the position of the king when he can not move without being placed on check and there is no other piece which can be moved

  2. Stalemate(verb)

    to subject to a stalemate; hence, to bring to a stand


  1. Stalemate

    Stalemate is a situation in the game of chess where the player whose turn it is to move is not in check but has no legal moves. A stalemate ends the game in a draw. Stalemate is covered in the rules of chess. During the endgame, stalemate is a resource that can enable the player with the inferior position to draw the game. In more complicated positions, stalemate is much rarer, usually taking the form of a swindle that succeeds only if the superior side is inattentive. Stalemate is also a common theme in endgame studies and other chess problems. The outcome of a stalemate was standardized as a draw in the 19th century. Before this standardization, its treatment varied widely, including being deemed a win for the stalemating player, a half-win for that player, or a loss for that player; not being permitted; and resulting in the stalemated player missing a turn. Some regional chess variants have not allowed a player to play a stalemating move. In different versions of suicide chess, another chess variant, stalemate may or may not be treated as a draw. The word "stalemate" is also used for a metaphor when a conflict has reached an impasse and resolution seems difficult or impossible, i.e. a no-win situation.

Translations for stalemate

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