maneuver
muh-NOO-ver
/məˈnuːvər/
A movement or series of moves requiring skill and care; to perform such a movement.
In sports, it often refers to a deceptive or highly technical move used to bypass a defender.
The story behind the word. From the Old French 'manœuvre,' which literally means 'hand-work' (manus + opera). It originally referred to manual labor before evolving into the sense of a clever or planned movement.
Word relationships
- movement: Movement is neutral; maneuver implies skill, planning, or deception.
- stagnation: Stagnation is the lack of movement or progress.
Commonly confused with
- manipulate: To manipulate is to control something (often unfairly); to maneuver is to move skillfully.
Word family
- maneuverability (noun): The quality of being easy to move or steer.
Collocations
- deft maneuver
- tactical maneuver
- maneuver into position
- evasive maneuver
Example sentences
- "With a brilliant spin maneuver, the point guard left his defender standing still." Basketball
- "The striker had to maneuver through a crowded penalty area to get his shot off." Soccer
Memory hook
A maneuver is 'man-work'—the work a player does to get around an opponent. Skillful hand-work (or foot-work).
When not to use
Don't use it for simple, everyday movements like walking; it implies complexity or cleverness.
Fun facts
- The word 'maneuver' and 'manicure' share the same root, 'manus,' because both involve skillful work with the hands.
Related words
Also appears in
- Military Science & Warfare → Military Strategy & Tactics
- Military Science & Warfare → Warfare & Combat Operations
- Sports, Athletics & Recreation → Winter & Ice Sports
- Sports, Athletics & Recreation → Motor & Racing Sports
- Sports, Athletics & Recreation → Coaching, Strategy & Tactics
- Everyday Transportation & Driving → Driving Maneuvers & Parking
- Skilled Trades & Construction → Heavy Machinery & Earthmoving
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