outmaneuver
out-muh-NOO-ver
/ˌaʊtməˈnuːvər/
To gain an advantage over someone by using cleverer or more skillful tactics.
Implies a victory of intellect, strategy, and agility rather than brute force or wealth.
The story behind the word. Outmaneuver combines the English prefix 'out-' (exceeding) with the French 'manœuvre', which comes from Medieval Latin 'manuoperare' (to work with the hands). Originally a military term for moving troops into superior positions, it now applies to any clever strategic victory.
Word relationships
- outsmart: Outsmart is informal and focuses on clever tricks; outmaneuver implies complex, physical, or strategic movements.
- outwit: Outwit is purely mental, while outmaneuver can involve physical positioning or corporate logistics.
- blunder: To blunder is to make a clumsy mistake that loses your tactical advantage.
- succumb: To succumb is to give in to the superior tactics or force of an opponent.
Commonly confused with
- outrun: Outrun is purely about physical speed; outmaneuver is about direction, strategy, and clever placement.
Word family
- outmaneuvering (noun): The act of gaining a tactical advantage.
Collocations
- outmaneuver opponents
- strategically outmaneuver
- outmaneuver rivals
- outmaneuver the market
Example sentences
- "The experienced pilot managed to outmaneuver the pursuing aircraft by diving into a thick bank of clouds." Aviation strategy
Memory hook
To OUTMANEUVER is to OUT-MANAGE your opponent's moves on the board. Out-crafting with clever moves.
When not to use
Do not use when you simply run faster than someone; outmaneuver requires a mental or tactical shift.
Fun facts
- The spelling 'maneuver' is standard in American English, while British English retains the more traditional French-style spelling 'manoeuvre'.
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