Dictionary

outgeneral en · VERB

Pronunciation

• /aʊtˈdʒɛnɹəl/ (UK)

Etymology

Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *úd Proto-Germanic *ūt Proto-Germanic *ūt- Old English ūt- Middle English ut- English out- Anglo-Norman generalbor. Middle French generalbor. Latin generālisder. Middle English general English general English outgeneral From out- + general.

Meanings

1. (transitive) To outdo or surpass (someone) in military skill or leadership.
   • The door closed after him, and his nephew felt that he had been completely outgeneraled. He now saw, what he had only suspected before, that his uncle wished him to marry Constance. 1837, L[etitia] E[lizabeth] L[andon], “A Proposal of Marriage”, in Ethel Churchill: Or, The Two Brides. […], volume I, London: Henry Colburn, […], →OCLC, page 133:
   • With far fewer troops at his disposal, Frederick had out-generaled and out-manoeuvred the flower of Austro-French chivalry – and out-strategized it too [...]. 2002, Colin Jones, The Great Nation, Penguin, published 2003, page 239:
   • In general, our Generals were out generalled on Long Island, and Sullivan and Stirling with 1000 Men were made Prisoners, in Consequence of which, and several other unfortunate Circumstances, a Council of War thought it prudent to retreat from that Island, and Governors Island and then from New York. 1776 October 8, John Adams, Letter from John Adams to Abigail Adams:

Forms