outflank

[out-flangk]

verb (used with object)

1. to go or extend beyond the flank of (an opposing military unit); turn the flank of.

2. to outmaneuver or bypass.

outflank

/ ˌaʊtˈflæŋk /

verb

1. to go around the flank of (an opposing army)

2. to get the better of

Other Word Forms

• outflanker noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of outflank¹

First recorded in 1755–65; out- + flank

Example Sentences

Former YouTube polemicist Johannes Kaiser, who has outflanked Kast on the right, was closing in on the poll leaders in the final days of campaigning.

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On the left of the party, former frontbencher Clive Lewis argues strongly against going down the Danish route in an effort to outflank Reform UK.

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France's quick hands outflanked England's onrushing defence on a number of occasions, exposing the hosts out wide.

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The US gains allies in its quest to outflank the Chinese in the field of AI and compute - the Gulf nations get a powerful partner in their search for a replacement for oil revenues.

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A source told the paper it was "already outflanking Labour" on both issues.

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Related Words

• outdo 
• outfox 
• outshine 
• outwit