stalemate

Definition

The state in which the player to move is not in check but has no legal moves, resulting in a draw.

Etymology

From stale + mate.

Example Sentences

• "The game is drawn when the player to move has no legal move and his/her king is not in check. The game is said to end in ‘stalemate’. This immediately ends the game, provided that the move producing the stalemate position was in accordance with Article 3 and Articles 4.2 – 4.7."
• "Indian military analysts said the situation was heading into a dangerous stalemate. Neither side wants to start a war. But neither side wants to back down either."