outflank
UK[ˌaʊtˈflæŋk]US[ˌaʊtˈflæŋk]
v
To move around the side of an enemy, especially in a military formation, in order to attack from a more advantageous position.
v
To gain an advantage over someone, especially in a competition or argument, by using a clever or unexpected strategy.
Morpheme Breakdown
out
flank
out
beyond, surpass
flank
side
Etymology
The military term 'outflank' is a transparent compound formed within English. The core noun 'flank', denoting the side of an army or body, entered English via Old French from a Germanic source. The native English prefix 'out-' was appended to it, carrying its sense of surpassing or going beyond. The literal meaning, "to get beyond the side of (an enemy army)," perfectly captures the tactical maneuver of moving around an opponent's defensive line. This concrete military sense was later extended metaphorically to describe any strategic maneuver to gain an advantage over a competitor in non-military contexts.
Analysis
Structure: out (beyond, surpass) + flank (side)
- out: A native English prefix from Old English 'ūt', meaning "out, beyond, away, to surpass." In this word, it functions as an intensifying prefix indicating surpassing or going beyond.
- flank: From Old French 'flanc', of Germanic origin, meaning "the side of the body between the ribs and the hip." In this word, it functions as the core noun root referring to the side of a military formation.
Examples
The general planned to outflank the enemy by sending cavalry through the forest.
In the debate, she managed to outflank her opponent by introducing new data he hadn't considered.
The company outflanked its rivals by launching a revolutionary product in an untapped market.