outmaneuver
UK[ˌaʊtməˈnuːvə]US[ˌaʊtməˈnuːvər]
v
to gain an advantage over someone by using a cleverer or more skillful plan or movement.
v
to perform a movement in a military, naval, or aerial situation that is more skillful than that of an opponent.
Morpheme Breakdown
out
maneuver
out
beyond
maneuver
to perform a planned movement
Etymology
the word is a compound formed from the english prefix 'out-' and the noun/verb 'maneuver'. the prefix 'out-' derives from old english 'ūt', meaning 'out, beyond', and is commonly used to form verbs indicating surpassing or exceeding. 'maneuver' entered english from french manoeuvre, which itself originates from the medieval latin manuopera, literally 'hand work'. the core idea of 'maneuver' evolved from manual labor to a controlled, tactical movement, especially in a military context. therefore, 'outmaneuver' literally means to surpass or excel in executing tactical movements, capturing the sense of gaining advantage through superior strategy or agility.
Analysis
Structure: out (beyond) + maneuver (to perform a planned movement)
out (old english, prefix meaning 'beyond, more than, better'); maneuver (french, from latin manu operare 'to work by hand', here meaning a strategic movement).
Examples
the smaller company managed to outmaneuver its larger competitor by launching an innovative product first.
the skilled pilot was able to outmaneuver the enemy aircraft in the dogfight.
in the political debate, she cleverly outmaneuvered her opponent on the key issue.