Outflank meaning

To outflank means to gain an advantage over an opponent by bypassing their defenses.


Outflank definitions

Word backwards knalftuo
Part of speech Outflank is a verb.
Syllabic division out-flank
Plural The plural of the word "outflank" is "outflanks."
Total letters 8
Vogais (3) o,u,a
Consonants (5) t,f,l,n,k

Understanding the Concept of Outflank

Outflank refers to a military tactic where a attacking force maneuvers around the enemy's flank to achieve a tactical advantage. This strategy is often used to bypass the enemy's front line defenses and attack from a vulnerable position. By outflanking the opponent, a military force can disrupt their formation and potentially force a retreat or surrender.

The Importance of Outflanking in Warfare

Outflanking is a crucial tactic in warfare as it allows a smaller force to outmaneuver and defeat a larger, more heavily armed opponent. By attacking from the side or rear, the outflanking force can create confusion and disarray among the enemy ranks, making them more vulnerable to attack. This strategy has been used throughout history in numerous battles and campaigns to secure decisive victories.

Example of Outflanking in History

One famous example of outflanking in military history is the Battle of Cannae in 216 BC during the Second Punic War. The Carthaginian general Hannibal used a double envelopment tactic to outflank the larger Roman army, resulting in one of the most significant defeats in Roman history. By encircling the Roman forces from both sides, Hannibal was able to crush the Roman army and secure a decisive victory.

The Modern Use of Outflanking

While traditional outflanking tactics are still used in modern warfare, the concept has also evolved to include other forms of maneuver warfare. In contemporary military strategy, outflanking can refer to cyber attacks, economic warfare, and other non-traditional tactics aimed at gaining a strategic advantage over an opponent. The principle of outflanking remains the same – to attack from an unexpected direction and catch the enemy off guard.

Outflanking is a versatile and effective tactic that can be used in various military and strategic situations. Whether on the battlefield or in other arenas of conflict, the ability to outmaneuver and outthink the opponent remains a critical element of success. By understanding the concept of outflanking and its historical significance, we can gain insights into how strategic thinking and innovation can lead to victory in any situation.


Outflank Examples

  1. The general devised a plan to outflank the enemy from the west.
  2. The team's clever tactics allowed them to outflank their opponents on the battlefield.
  3. The business was able to outflank its competitors by introducing a new marketing strategy.
  4. The politician tried to outflank his opponent by appealing to a different set of voters.
  5. In chess, a player can outflank their opponent by moving their pieces to the sides of the board.
  6. The basketball team was able to outflank the defense and score a winning shot.
  7. The detective decided to outflank the suspect by approaching from a different direction.
  8. The rebels managed to outflank the government forces and secure a strategic location.
  9. The company's innovative product design helped them outflank their competitors in the market.
  10. The commander ordered his troops to outflank the enemy's stronghold in a surprise attack.


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  • Updated 17/04/2024 - 01:19:36