Flanker Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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flanker
[หflรฆล.kษr ]
Definitions
rugby
A player positioned on the outside of the scrum or line-out in rugby, typically used for their speed and agility to outflank the opposition.
Synonyms
flank forward, loose forward, wing forward.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| flanker |
Often used in rugby to refer to a position in the forwards, specifically on the sides of the scrum. This player is crucial in both defense and attack.
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| wing forward |
Primarily used in historical or specific rugby jargon referring to a position similar to a modern flanker, focusing on quick, agile movements on the wing.
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| loose forward |
Used in rugby to describe a player who is part of the back row, known for being versatile in both defensive and offensive plays. It often implies flexibility in positioning and roles on the field.
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| flank forward |
Less commonly used, but it indicates a player in rugby who operates on the flanks or sides of the scrum, focusing on running and supporting the team in attacking moves.
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Examples of usage
- He was a skilled flanker, always ready to support his teammates in attack.
- The team's flanker managed to break through the defensive line and score a try.
military
A soldier or military unit placed on the sides of a formation, used to protect the main body from flanking attacks.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| flanker |
Often used in sports, particularly in rugby or American football, to describe a player positioned at the side of the main group who can move quickly to support both offense and defense.
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| guard |
Used to describe someone who watches over something to protect it, common in security contexts or in sports like basketball where a player protects the court.
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| defender |
Commonly used in sports and law enforcement contexts to describe someone who protects a goal or a position from opponents.
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| protector |
Often used in a broad sense to describe someone who looks after and defends others, can be used in both personal and legal contexts.
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Examples of usage
- The flankers moved quickly to secure the perimeter and prevent any surprise attacks.
- The commander deployed the flankers to cover the left and right sides of the advancing troops.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Sports
- In football, flankers are crucial defensive players who watch for opponents trying to score.
- Rugby uses flankers to increase the teamโs strength and speed on the side of the field, making them essential for both defense and attack.
Military
- Historically, flankers were soldiers positioned on the sides of the main force to protect from attacks coming from the side.
- In military strategy, having flanking units can turn the tide of battle by outmaneuvering opponents.
Business
- In marketing, a 'flanker brand' supports and enhances the image of a main product, helping to capture more market attention.
- Companies might launch a flanker product to compete against rival brands without directly replacing their flagship items.
Games
- In chess, flankers can be likened to pieces that move strategically to protect others while also threatening the opponent.
- In cooperative games, flankers may help fellow players by covering more ground or providing support from a safe distance.
Psychology
- The role of a flanker can relate to the concept of social support, where individuals provide help to others, often improving group performance.
- Studies indicate that people performing group tasks often feel more secure and confident with flankers by their side, leading to better outcomes.
Origin of 'flanker'
The term 'flanker' originated in the 19th century in the context of military tactics, referring to soldiers positioned on the sides of a formation to protect against flanking attacks. The term was later adopted in sports such as rugby to describe players in similar positions. The concept of 'flanking' has always been associated with strategic positioning and maneuvering to gain an advantage over the opponent.
See also: outflank.