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Outflank: meaning, definitions and examples

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outflank

 

[ ˌaʊtˈflæŋk ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

in warfare

To go around the side of an enemy's position in order to outmaneuver them.

Synonyms

outmaneuver, outsmart, outwit

Examples of usage

  • He outflanked the enemy troops and captured their supplies.
  • The army was able to outflank the enemy, leading to a decisive victory.
Context #2 | Verb

in a competition or argument

To gain an advantage over someone by using a clever or unexpected strategy.

Synonyms

outmaneuver, outsmart, outwit

Examples of usage

  • She outflanked her opponent with a surprising move.
  • The politician outflanked his rivals with a strategic campaign.

Translations

Translations of the word "outflank" in other languages:

🇵🇹 flanquear

🇮🇳 चालाकी से घेरना

🇩🇪 umgehen

🇮🇩 mengepung

🇺🇦 обійти

🇵🇱 oskrzydlić

🇯🇵 側面を突く (そくめんをつく)

🇫🇷 déborder

🇪🇸 flanquear

🇹🇷 yanından geçmek

🇰🇷 측면을 우회하다

🇸🇦 التفاف حول

🇨🇿 obejít

🇸🇰 obísť

🇨🇳 侧翼包抄 (cè yì bāo chāo)

🇸🇮 obiti

🇮🇸 sneiða framhjá

🇰🇿 айналмау

🇬🇪 გადაჭარბება

🇦🇿 yanından keçmək

🇲🇽 flanquear

Etymology

The term 'outflank' originated from military tactics, where it referred to the maneuver of getting around the side of an enemy to gain a positional advantage. Over time, the word has been adapted to describe gaining an advantage in various situations, not just in warfare. The concept of outflanking has been used in both literal and metaphorical contexts, highlighting the importance of strategic thinking and clever maneuvers.

See also: flanker.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,702 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.