outwit

American  

[out-wit] / ˌaʊtˈwɪt /

verb (used with object)

outwitted, outwitting

1. to get the better of by superior ingenuity or cleverness; outsmart.

   to outwit a dangerous opponent.

   Synonyms:

   finesse, outthink, outmaneuver, outfox, outguess

2. Archaic. to surpass in wisdom or knowledge.

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outwit British  

/ ˌaʊtˈwɪt /

verb

1. to get the better of by cunning or ingenuity

2. archaic to be of greater intelligence than

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Etymology

Origin of outwit

First recorded in 1645–55; out- + wit ¹

Example Sentences

Watch as the fluid camerawork makes her kills look nastier, and the preposterous script allows her to outwit her foes, even with the cards stacked against her at every turn.

From Salon

I have seen rabbits outwit foxes and watched red squirrels tease martens and get away with it, but this time it was not to be.

From Literature

"This is a self-reliant character who outwits those trying to exploit her with silent grit and steely determination. Momin slipped into this feminist folklore with quiet understanding."

From BBC

She favors installing parental controls, even though wily children can outwit them, on grounds that some thwarting is better than none at all.

From The Wall Street Journal

Spy Brunch found inspiration in the era of ’60s protest music in its “Ursa Major and the Blue Mountain Hexes,” turning audience members into makeshift musicians in its mischievous show about outwitting a government agent.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• deceive
• outfox
• outmaneuver