outmaneuver 's definition, meaning and history

Meaning of “outmaneuver”

The verb “outmaneuver” is an idiomatic expression that is used to describe the act of outsmarting or outwitting someone in a strategic or tactical situation. When someone “outmaneuvers” another person, it means they have successfully planned and executed a series of moves or actions that give them an advantage over their opponent. The term is commonly used in military contexts to describe the act of gaining a tactical advantage over an enemy, but it can also be used more broadly to refer to any situation in which one person outsmarts another.

For example, you might say “The general was able to outmaneuver the enemy forces” to indicate that the general used clever tactics or strategies to gain an advantage over the opposing army. Or you could say “She outmaneuvered her opponent in the negotiation” to suggest that she was able to outsmart the other party and achieve a favorable outcome.

Here are some other things to know about “outmaneuver”:

• It is often used informally in spoken English to describe strategic thinking or clever planning.
• The term can be used in both positive and negative contexts, like “He outmaneuvered the competition” or “She outmaneuvered her critics.”
• “Outmaneuver” is commonly used to describe the act of gaining an advantage or overcoming an obstacle through clever planning or strategic thinking.
• The verb can be followed by a noun or pronoun to specify the person or group that someone has outsmarted, like “outmaneuver them” or “outmaneuver the enemy.”

History of “outmaneuver”

The verb “outmaneuver” has been in use for centuries, with its origins dating back to Middle English. Here’s what we know about its history:

• Early usage: The term “outmaneuver” first appeared in English in the 16th century, with early examples found in texts from the 1500s.
• Evolution of meaning: Over time, “outmaneuver” has come to be used more broadly to describe the act of outsmarting or outwitting someone in a strategic or tactical situation.
• Informal usage: “Outmaneuver” is considered an informal expression in English, often used in casual conversation or informal writing to talk about clever planning or strategic thinking.
• Synonyms: Other phrases that can be used in place of “outmaneuver” include “outsmart,” “outwit,” or “outthink.”

Overall, “outmaneuver” is a versatile verb in English that is used to describe the act of outsmarting or outwitting someone in a strategic or tactical situation. It is a common term that can be used in a variety of contexts to indicate clever planning, strategic thinking, and gaining an advantage over an opponent.

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