stalemate

American  

[steyl-meyt] / ˈsteɪlˌmeɪt /

noun

1. Chess. a position of the pieces in which a player cannot move any piece except the king and cannot move the king without putting it in check.

2. any position or situation in which no action can be taken or progress made; deadlock.

   Talks between union and management resulted in a stalemate.

   Synonyms:

   standstill, standoff, impasse

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verb (used with object)

stalemated, stalemating

1. to subject to a stalemate.

2. to bring to a standstill.

verb (used without object)

stalemated, stalemating

1. to be or result in a stalemate or standoff.

   Negotiations stalemated when new salary demands were introduced.

stalemate British  

/ ˈsteɪlˌmeɪt /

noun

1. a chess position in which any of a player's possible moves would place his king in check: in this position the game ends in a draw

2. a situation in which two opposing forces find that further action is impossible or futile; deadlock

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verb

1. (tr) to subject to a stalemate

Other Word Forms

• unstalemated adjective

Etymology

Origin of stalemate

1755–65; late Middle English stale stalemate (whence Anglo-French estale ) (apparently special use of stale ¹ ) + mate ²

Example Sentences

But it was another far from convincing display from the Reds following the goalless stalemate against Leeds on New Year's Day.

From Barron's

City's New Year's Day stalemate ruined their eight-match winning run in all competitions.

From Barron's

A stalemate leaves both sides still separated by just one point with Brentford in ninth and Spurs 12th.

From Barron's

It was a third stalemate in as many matches for the Eagles, who will remain in Morocco's largest city for a last-16 tie on Saturday.

From Barron's

Also, 17 of the 19 Tests were drawn, including three consecutive stalemated series.

From BBC

Related Words

• delay
• gridlock
• impasse
• standoff
• standstill