Synonyms Examples Word Origin
See more synonyms for flank on Thesaurus.com the side of an animal or a person between the ribs and hip. the thin piece of flesh constituting this part. a slice of meat from the flank of an animal. the side of anything, as of a building. Military , Navy the extreme right or left side of an army or fleet, or a subdivision of an army or fleet. Fortification the right or left side of a work or fortification. the part of a bastion that extends from the curtain to the face and protects the curtain and the opposite face. Machinery (on a screw thread or the like) either of the two vertical inclined surfaces between the crest and the root. Show More
to stand or be placed or posted at the flank or side of. to defend or guard at the flank. Military to menace or attack the flank of. to pass around or turn the flank of. Show More
verb (used without object) to occupy a position at the flank or side. to present the flank or side. Show More
Origin of flank before 1100; Middle English; late Old English flanc < Old French < Frankish; compare Old High German hlanca loin
Related forms un·flank , verb (used with object) well-flanked , adjective Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Related Words for flanked surrounded ,
belted ,
spin ,
encircle ,
surround ,
abut ,
flank ,
adjoin ,
neighbor ,
delineate ,
set ,
mark ,
limit ,
distinguish ,
establish ,
restricted ,
fringed ,
enclosed ,
walled Examples from the Web for flanked Contemporary Examples of flanked He speaks in a whisper, flanked by the two locals who set up the meeting.
Alberto Barbera, director of the Venice Film Festival, took the stage, flanked by a woman holding a trophy and a medal.
Her sons walked behind her, flanked by their father, the Prince; their grandfather, the Duke; and their uncle, the Earl.
“Technically the campus is a crime scene,” said Garcia, who was flanked by dozens of officers and college officials.
Outside, on the roof, the clock is flanked by more Beaux Arts touches: statues of Hercules, Mercury, and Minerva.
Historical Examples of flanked The fine gateway of the castle is flanked by two squat towers.
It was flanked by a river, upon the opposite bank of which rose a gentle mountain.
He was followed by two young women, who flanked him by a pace or so to the rear.
For days and days they flanked the safari before venturing to approach.
Once over this and into the guard-house, and we can never be flanked , whatever else betide.
British Dictionary definitions for flanked the side of a man or animal between the ribs and the hip (loosely) the outer part of the human thigh a cut of beef from the flank the side of anything, such as a mountain or building the side of a naval or military formation Show More
(when intr, often foll by on or upon ) to be located at the side of (an object, building, etc) military to position or guard on or beside the flank of (a formation, etc) military to move past or go round (a flank) Show More
Word Origin for flank C12: from Old French flanc , of Germanic origin
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Word Origin and History for flanked n. late Old English flanc "fleshy part of the side," from Old French flanc , probably from Frankish *hlanca (cf. Old High German (h)lanca , Middle High German lanke "hip joint," German lenken "to bend, turn, lead"), from PIE root *kleng- "to bend, turn" (see link (n.)). The military sense is first attested 1540s, as is the verb. Related: Flanked ; flanking .
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
The side of the body between the pelvis or hip and the last rib; the side. The section of flesh in that area. Show More
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
