Flank

Podcast 1 · Introduction

Flank

A documentary-style narration: origin, meaning, and feel.

Part of speech

noun and verb

Pronunciation

FLANK  /flaŋk/

Definition

As a noun: the side of a body, army, building, or other object; the cut of meat from the side of an animal. As a verb: to be positioned at the side of something; to attack or outmanoeuvre from the side.

Plain meaning

The side — of a body, an army, a mountain, or a building. To flank means to be positioned on the side of something, or to move around the side to outmanoeuvre it.

Register

Neutral. Military, anatomical, culinary, and strategic senses all standard. The verb is common in strategic and figurative contexts.