outfox

American  

[out-foks] / ˌaʊtˈfɒks /

verb (used with object)

1. to outwit; outsmart; outmaneuver.

   Politics is often the art of knowing how to outfox the opposition.

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outfox British  

/ ˌaʊtˈfɒks /

verb

1. (tr) to surpass in guile or cunning

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Etymology

Origin of outfox

First recorded in 1960–65; out- + fox

Explanation

To outfox someone is to defeat them at something using quick thinking or sneaky tricks. Some of the most popular fictional detectives cleverly outfox their foes. You can attempt to outfox your opponent at poker using tricky strategies and bluffs. A political candidate can also try to outfox a rival, either through smart debate tactics or sneakier, more underhanded means. Outfox has been used in this way since the 1930s, from the old-fashioned verb fox, "to delude or deceive," which stems from the idea (popular in folklore) of foxes being wily or tricky.

Example Sentences

The Na’vi strategy—Viet Cong-like—is to outfox them with their low-tech, nature-friendly, home-field-advantage energy.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 17, 2025

Earlier, world number 86 Maria used her slice-heavy style of play to outfox 11th-ranked Rybakina.

From BBC • Jun. 13, 2025

Can Lue show he can again outfox opposing coaches with his lineup choices and in-game adjustments?

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 2, 2023

But he raised the possibility for the first time that jail might be the only way to ensure Bankman-Fried won’t outfox the government with ways to use electronic devices in ways that can’t be tracked.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 16, 2023

The only way to outfox Hangman is to think one sentence ahead, and if you see a stammer-word coming up, alter your sentence so you won't need to use it.

From "Black Swan Green" by David Mitchell

Related Words

• outdo
• outwit