Multiple choice general knowledge The word "Checkmate" in chess comes from the Persian phrase "Shah Mat," which means the king is defeated the king is conquered the King is dead the king won't win Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself C Correct answer Explanation The Persian phrase 'Shah Mat' combines 'Shah' (king) and 'Mat' (dead or helpless). When this term entered English via Arabic, it evolved into 'checkmate,' signaling the king's inevitable defeat in chess.