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

Examples of outflank in a Sentence

The army outflanked the enemy.

trying to outflank the competition

Recent Examples on the Web

They’re getting outflanked on defense on a consistent basis by basic, basic concepts by Indianapolis. —Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 9 Sep. 2025

Newcastle United, as would be expected, were quick to respond to the post and outflanked him immediately by being more specific. —Zak Garner-Purkis, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2025

Percentage-wise, Netflix was far higher at 8.8% market share, but the SVOD leader was outflanked by YouTube’s 13.4%. —Dade Hayes, Deadline, 19 Aug. 2025

Without his rhythm section, his E Street audience got split down the middle by grunge and country, as Bruce got outflanked by Garth Brooks on the right and Eddie Vedder on the left. —Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 20 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1765, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for outflank

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

Kids Definition

outflank

verb

out·​flank (ˈ)au̇t-ˈflaŋk 

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

outflank the enemy