stalemate stalemate /ˈsteɪlˌmeɪt/

noun

1. Drawing position in chess: any of a player's possible moves would place his king in check  ( stalemate )
   drawing position in chess: any of a player's possible moves would place his king in check
    The chess match ended in a stalemate, with neither player able to checkmate the other.
   The chess match ended in a stalemate, with neither player able to checkmate the other.
   
   
2. A situation in which no progress can be made or no advancement is possible  ( dead end , stalemate , standstill , deadlock , impasse )
   a situation in which no progress can be made or no advancement is possible
    Reached an impasse on the negotiations
   reached an impasse on the negotiations
   
   

verb

1. (chess) subject to a stalemate  ( stalemate )
   (chess) subject to a stalemate