/'steɪlmeɪt; `stel,met/
n [U, C usu sing 作不可数名词或可数名词, 後者通常作单数]
1 position of the pieces in the game of chess in which the player whose move it is cannot move without putting his king in check （国际象棋中的）僵局, 和棋（一方只能移动王棋以摆脱困境）.
2 stage of a dispute, contest, etc at which further action or discussion by either side seems to be impossible; deadlock 僵持阶段; 僵局
*Negotiations have reached
(a) stalemate. 谈判陷入了僵局.

v [Tn usu passive 通常用于被动语态] bring (sb/sth) to a position of stalemate 使（某人[某事物]）陷入僵局.

n [U and C]
[Date: 1700-1800; Origin: stale 'stalemate' (15-18 centuries) (from Old French estal; STALE) + mate ( MATE²3)]
a situation in which it seems impossible to settle an argument or disagreement, and neither side can get an advantage
= deadlock
　an attempt to break the stalemate
　The discussions with the miners' union ended in stalemate .
a position in chess in which neither player can win
>stalematev [T]