stalemate

A situation in which further action is blocked; a deadlock.

A drawing position in chess in which the king, although not in check, can move only into check and no other piece can move.

To bring into a stalemate.

In chess, a position in which a player, having to move in his turn, and his king not being in check, has no move available with any piece: in such a case the game is drawn; figuratively, any position in which no action can be taken.

In chess, to subject to a stalemate: usually said of one's self, not of one's adversary.