Outflanking Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ดโโ ๏ธ
outflanking
[aสtหflรฆลkษชล ]
Definition
military strategy
Outflanking refers to the military maneuver where forces move around a flank of the opposing enemy to gain a tactical advantage. This tactic is often used in battles to encircle or surprise the opponent, thereby forcing them into a disadvantageous position. It can also imply circumventing someone's defenses or strategies in broader contexts, like competition or negotiations.
Synonyms
encircling, flanking, surrounding.
Examples of usage
- The general devised a plan for outflanking the enemy lines.
- The team's outflanking move caught their rivals off guard.
- Outflanking was essential to winning the battle.
- The soldiers executed an outflanking maneuver successfully.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Military Strategy
- In battles, troops would often move around to surprise their enemy, making it a key tactic in many famous wars.
- The concept became prominent during World War I, where trench warfare led to innovative maneuvers to gain an advantage.
- Outflanking is a classic strategy in chess, where a player can move a piece to attack from an unexpected angle.
Sports
- In soccer, players often try to outflank defenders by using speed and agility to get past them.
- Outflanking can also occur in strategy games like basketball, where players attempt to position themselves to take an open shot.
Business
- In negotiations, companies might outflank competitors by presenting better offers or innovative ideas before their rivals can react.
- Start-ups often try to outflank established companies by finding niche markets that larger firms overlook.
Literature
- In many adventure stories, characters often outflank their adversaries using clever plans or disguises.
- Classic espionage novels frequently involve outflanking as spies try to outsmart each other.
Psychology
- Outflanking can also refer to emotional or psychological tactics where a person gains an advantage by subtly influencing their counterpartโs decisions.
- In conflicts, people may use outflanking as a means to gain empathy from one side against another.
Origin of 'outflanking'
The term 'outflank' is derived from the combination of 'out' and 'flank.' The word 'flank' originates from the Middle English term 'flanke,' which itself comes from the Old French 'flanc,' meaning 'the side of a person or animal, a limb.' The concept of outflanking has its roots in military tactics, where armies have historically sought to outmaneuver their opponents by attacking from the sides, thus compromising their points of defense. This strategy can be traced back to ancient warfare and is still relevant in modern military and tactical discussions. The prefix 'out-' suggests superiority or exceeding in operation, emphasizing the successful execution of tactics that can lead to victory through the element of surprise.