Flanking: meaning, definitions and examples
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flanking
[ˈflæŋkɪŋ ]
Definitions
military strategy
Flanking refers to the tactical movement of forces to the side of an enemy position to gain a more advantageous position in combat. It is often employed to surprise or outmaneuver the opposition. By attacking from the side, a force can avoid direct confrontations with fortified fronts while potentially causing disarray in the enemy's ranks. Flanking can be a decisive factor in the outcome of battles and is a crucial element of military strategy that has been used throughout history.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The infantry began flanking the enemy’s position.
- In the battle, the general ordered his troops to flank the opposing forces.
- Flanking maneuvers are essential in asymmetrical warfare.
military tactic
Flanking is a tactical maneuver that involves attacking an enemy from the sides rather than from the front. This approach can destabilize an enemy's formation and give the attacking force a strategic advantage. Flanking maneuvers often lead to a more effective engagement in combat by exploiting weaknesses in the enemy's defenses. Historically, flanking has been used in various conflicts to turn the tide of battle.
Synonyms
encirclement, side attack, tactical diversion.
Examples of usage
- The flanking strategy proved effective in the nearby campaign.
- They executed a perfect flanking operation during the exercise.
- His plan included a decisive flanking maneuver.
Interesting Facts
Military Strategy
- In military tactics, flanking is used to attack the enemy from the sides rather than head-on, making it harder for them to defend.
- Famous battles, like the Battle of Agincourt, showcased effective flanking as a way to gain strategic advantage.
- Flanking maneuvers can change the course of a conflict by disrupting the enemy’s formation.
Literature
- Flanking has been used in storytelling to describe characters surrounding a main character, often creating tension or conflict.
- In drama, the technique of flanking can illustrate themes of isolation when a character is alone amidst a group.
- It's a common literary device in thrillers where protagonists flank a villain to confront them at the climax.
Sports
- In sports like football and basketball, players often use flanking positions to create scoring opportunities by moving around defenders.
- Flanking is crucial in team sports, allowing players to spread out and work together more effectively.
- Coaches teach flanking as a strategy for improving teamwork and chance of scoring during games.
Psychology
- Humans often feel more secure when they are flanked by others, indicating the social nature of companionship.
- Flanking effects in psychology refer to how the presence of others around can influence decision-making.
- Research shows that people may perceive a situation differently based on arrangements of those around them.
Architecture
- In architecture, flanking refers to buildings or elements that are positioned on the sides of a central structure, enhancing its appearance.
- Historically, flanking towers have been used in castle designs to provide better defense and surveillance.
- The flanking layout in urban planning helps to create more dynamic public spaces by guiding movement and sightlines.
Translations
Translations of the word "flanking" in other languages:
🇵🇹 flanqueando
🇮🇳 फ्लैंकिंग
🇩🇪 Flankierung
🇮🇩 penyampingan
🇺🇦 флангування
🇵🇱 flankowanie
🇯🇵 側面攻撃
🇫🇷 flanquement
🇪🇸 flanqueo
🇹🇷 flanklama
🇰🇷 측면 공격
🇸🇦 الهجوم الجانبي
🇨🇿 flankování
🇸🇰 flankovanie
🇨🇳 侧翼攻击
🇸🇮 flankiranje
🇮🇸 flankun
🇰🇿 фланктау
🇬🇪 ფლანკირება
🇦🇿 flanklama
🇲🇽 flanqueo