outflank

verb

out·​flank ˌau̇t-ˈflaŋk How to pronounce outflank (audio)
outflanked; outflanking; outflanks

transitive verb

1
: to get around the flank of (an opposing force)
2

Examples of outflank in a Sentence

The army outflanked the enemy. trying to outflank the competition
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
For Iran, Hezbollah was supposed to be the cornerstone of its strategy to outflank superior adversaries, such as Israel, with armed proxies. Elizabeth Robinson, NBC News, 30 Sep. 2024 For all the talk about Russia building its own sphere of influence, the country has been outflanked by NATO and the European Union in eastern Europe, and China is competing with it for influence in Central Asia. Stacie E. Goddard, Foreign Affairs, 6 Apr. 2022 Throughout the day, forces fought to gain hilltop advantages and outflank the enemy, with Union troops ultimately forcing the CSA army to retreat. Thomas Wheatley, Axios, 22 July 2024 Roberts, outflanked on the right, now has even less sway. Ruth Marcus, Washington Post, 12 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for outflank 

Word History

First Known Use

1765, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of outflank was in 1765

Dictionary Entries Near outflank

Cite this Entry

“Outflank.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outflank. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

outflank

verb
out·​flank (ˈ)au̇t-ˈflaŋk How to pronounce outflank (audio)
: to get around the side of (a military formation)
outflank the enemy

More from Merriam-Webster on outflank

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!