pincer
PIN-ser
/ˈpɪnsər/
A military maneuver in which forces attack both flanks of an enemy formation simultaneously; a gripping tool.
Specifically describes a double-envelopment attack where two separate forces curve around the enemy's sides to trap them in the middle.
The story behind the word. The word originally referred to the blacksmith's tool used to grip hot iron. Because the tool has two curved arms that close together to squeeze an object, military commanders adopted the term to describe an army splitting into two wings to squeeze the enemy.
Word relationships
- envelopment: Envelopment is the general act of surrounding an enemy, while a pincer specifically involves two distinct claws closing in.
- encirclement: Encirclement is the end state of being completely surrounded, whereas a pincer is the active movement used to achieve it.
- frontal assault: A frontal assault is a direct, head-on attack against the enemy's strongest defensive line.
Commonly confused with
- pinch: Pinch is the simple verb action of squeezing, while pincer is the tool or the specific military maneuver.
Word family
- pinch (verb): Grip tightly between finger and thumb or between two surfaces.
Collocations
- pincer movement
- pincer attack
- pincer strategy
- double pincer
Example sentences
- "The army executed a perfect pincer movement, trapping the enemy division between two advancing columns." A classic military movement.
- "The crab raised its powerful pincers to defend itself against the predator." A biological description.
Memory hook
Think of a giant 'crab' using its 'pincers' to squeeze a piece of food from both sides. Pincer movement is like a giant 'pinch' on the enemy's sides.
When not to use
Do not use to describe a single-sided attack or a direct, head-on assault.
Fun facts
- The Battle of Cannae (216 BC) is widely considered the tactical masterpiece of the pincer movement, where Hannibal destroyed a much larger Roman army.
Explore more words
flank, counterattack, counteroffensive, ambush, outmaneuver, siege
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