noun🔗ShareÉchec et matThe conclusive victory in a game of chess that occurs when an opponent's king is threatened with unavoidable capture."The chess club's star player delivered a stunning checkmate in the final round. "Le joueur vedette du club d'échecs a réalisé un échec et mat stupéfiant lors de la dernière ronde.gameachievementsportoutcomeChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
noun🔗ShareÉchec et mat, défaite totale(by extension) Any losing situation with no escape; utter defeat."The overwhelming workload was a checkmate; there was no way to finish everything on time. "La charge de travail écrasante était un échec et mat ; il n'y avait aucun moyen de tout finir à temps.situationgameachievementoutcomeChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verb🔗ShareMettre échec et matTo put the king of an opponent into checkmate."That jerk checkmated me in four moves!"Ce type m'a mis échec et mat en quatre coups !gameChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verb🔗ShareMettre échec et mat(by extension) To place in a losing situation that has no escape."The overwhelming evidence of her cheating checkmated her defense, leaving her with no option but to admit the truth. "Les preuves accablantes de sa tricherie ont mis en échec et mat sa défense, ne lui laissant d'autre choix que d'admettre la vérité.situationgameachievementChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
interjection🔗ShareÉchec et matWord called out by the victor when making a move that wins the game."She moved her queen, trapping his king. "Checkmate!" she exclaimed, grinning. "Elle a déplacé sa reine, piégeant son roi. « Échec et mat ! » s'est-elle exclamée en souriant.gameexclamationChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
interjection🔗ShareÉchec et mat(by extension) Said when one has checkmated someone (placed them in a losing situation with no escape.)""After I caught him lying to Mom, I showed her the email. Checkmate! He couldn't deny it anymore." "« Après l'avoir pris en train de mentir à maman, je lui ai montré l'e-mail. Échec et mat ! Il ne pouvait plus le nier. »gamesportentertainmentachievementexclamationChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading