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Schachmatt

checkmate

noun SHAKH-mat Rare
Arts & Culture Games

Origin: from Persian 'shah mat' (the king is dead)

Also means

completely defeated (figurative)

Usage Note

Schachmatt is the decisive ending in chess when a king cannot escape capture. As an adjective/adverb, schachmatt sein colloquially means to be utterly exhausted or outwitted. The etymology from Persian is worth noting for learners interested in word history.

Examples

"Nach 42 Zügen setzte sie ihn mit einem eleganten Schachmatt außer Gefecht."

Natural Translation

After 42 moves she put him out of action with an elegant checkmate.

Literal Translation

After 42 moves put she him with an elegant checkmate out of action.

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