outflank

verb

out·​flank ˌau̇t-ˈflaŋk 

outflanked; outflanking; outflanks

transitive verb

1

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

2

: get around, circumvent

trying to outflank the competition

Examples of outflank in a Sentence

The army outflanked the enemy.

trying to outflank the competition

Recent Examples on the Web

Her relentlessness and long-term strategic vision have enabled her to outflank or outlast not only her liberal opponents, but her conservative rivals. — Doug Bock Clark, ProPublica, 28 Oct. 2026

Twelve years later, England arranged themselves in a V-shape which outflanked the haka, their fly-half Owen Farrell appearing to wink at the All Blacks’ display — and made it through to the World Cup final with a 19-7 triumph. — Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026

At times, Eisenkot has tried to outflank Netanyahu on the right, accusing the prime minister of adopting defeatist positions. — Amos Harel, Foreign Affairs, 2 Sep. 2026

Candidates in the new Salt Lake City-area district have tried to outflank one another on the left. — ABC News, 23 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1765, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for outflank

• gangplank
• nonbank
• sandbank
• antitank
• interbank
• riverbank
• banc
• bank
• blank
• clank
• crank
• dank

Kids Definition

outflank

verb

out·​flank (ˈ)au̇t-ˈflaŋk 

: to get around the side of (a military formation)

outflank the enemy