maneuver

[ muh-noo-ver ]

noun

1. a planned and regulated movement or evolution of troops, warships, etc.
2. maneuvers, a series of tactical exercises usually carried out in the field by large bodies of troops in simulating the conditions of war.
3. an act or instance of changing the direction of a moving ship, vehicle, etc., as required.
4. an adroit move, skillful proceeding, etc., especially as characterized by craftiness; ploy:

   political maneuvers.

   Synonyms: plan, plot, scheme, procedure, artifice, ruse, tactic, stratagem

verb (used with object)

, ma·neu·vered, ma·neu·ver·ing.

1. to change the position of (troops, ships, etc.) by a maneuver.
2. to bring, put, drive, or make by maneuvers:

   He maneuvered his way into the confidence of the enemy.

   Synonyms: intrigue, contrive, scheme

3. to manipulate or manage with skill or adroitness:

   to maneuver a conversation.

   Synonyms: finesse, handle

4. to steer in various directions as required.

verb (used without object)

, ma·neu·vered, ma·neu·ver·ing.

1. to perform a maneuver or maneuvers.
2. to scheme; intrigue.

   Synonyms: plan, plot

maneuver

/ məˈnuːvə /

noun

1. See manoeuvre
   the usual US spelling of manoeuvre

Derived Forms

• maˈneuvering, noun
• maˌneuveraˈbility, noun
• maˈneuverable, adjective
• maˈneuverer, noun

Other Words From

• ma·neuver·a·ble adjective
• ma·neuver·a·bili·ty noun
• ma·neuver·er noun
• unma·neuvered adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of maneuver¹

First recorded in 1470–80 for an earlier sense; 1750–60 for current noun sense; from French manoeuvre, Middle French manuevre “handwork,” derivative of Old French manuvrer, from Latin manū operāre “to do handwork,” equivalent to manū (ablative of manus “hand”) + operāre “to work” ( operate ); replacing earlier maanorre “manual labor,” Middle French, as above

Example Sentences

Once discovered, this maneuver did not endear the councilors to their constituents.

From The Daily Beast

I try to stay sober enough to maneuver back to West Hollywood.

From The Daily Beast

In battle, it means the ability to shift from suicide bombers to tank columns and maneuver warfare in the span of a day.

From The Daily Beast

The soldiers there made no efforts to maneuver and confront ISIS.

From The Daily Beast

The aim of this exercise, one has to believe, is to maneuver Moscow into the circle of good global citizenship.

From The Daily Beast

Only by a nimble maneuver did I escape being tripped; but it was heartening to know Patricia could respond to my needs.

From Project Gutenberg

I did not try to interfere with his maneuver, but settled myself solidly to hold him from escaping.

From Project Gutenberg

They were within easy arrow range, and the Sioux instantly realized the significance of the maneuver.

From Project Gutenberg

He realized that the maneuver would cause delay and confusion, and might betray them to the Pawnees.

From Project Gutenberg

At least, his job was done; now to execute that classic infantry maneuver described as, "Let's get the hell outa here."

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• action
• gimmick
• manipulation
• measure
• movement
• plot
• ploy
• procedure
• ruse
• scheme
• step
• stunt
• trick