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

U.S. developers say the ultimate goal is artificial general intelligence, systems that may eventually outfox humans by thinking independently.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 29, 2025

But at the other end of the spectrum are "the strategies of resistance that teens deploy to outfox their parents", she points out.

From BBC • May 7, 2024

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 protesters’ coordinated responses seek to outfox law enforcement.

From New York Times • Feb. 15, 2022

It was impossible to outfox her at this game.

From "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt

Related Words

• outdo
• outwit