flank
FLANGK
/flæŋk/
The side of a military formation, an animal's body, or a mountain; to guard or attack from the side.
In military terms, the flank is the most vulnerable part of a line because soldiers are facing forward, making a side attack devastating.
The story behind the word. Originally used to describe the fleshy side of a human or animal between the ribs and the hip, the word was adopted by medieval knights to describe the vulnerable sides of their armored battle lines.
Word relationships
- side: Side is a general term, whereas flank specifically implies the vulnerable lateral edge of a military formation or body.
- wing: Wing is often used for the extreme left or right sections of an army, but flank refers to the actual side edge.
- front: The front is the forward-facing, usually most heavily defended part of a formation.
- center: The center is the middle portion of a line, flanked by the sides.
Commonly confused with
- rear: The rear is the back of a formation, while the flank is the side.
Word family
- flanker (noun): A player or soldier positioned on the flank.
Collocations
- exposed flank
- protect the flank
- flanking maneuver
- left flank
Example sentences
- "The cavalry swept around the enemy's left flank, causing immediate panic and breaking their defensive line." A historical battle description.
- "The horse had a white patch on its left flank, just behind the saddle." Anatomical description of an animal.
Memory hook
Think of 'flank' as the 'plank' of wood protecting your side, or the 'flanks' of a horse that you squeeze with your legs. Flank is the side—if you get hit there, you will 'blank' out from surprise.
When not to use
Do not use to describe the front or rear of a position.
Fun facts
- In American football, a 'flanker' is a wide receiver who lines up slightly behind the line of scrimmage near the sideline.
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