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View synonyms for flank

flank

[ flangk ]

noun

  1. the side of an animal or a person between the ribs and hip.
  2. the thin piece of flesh constituting this part.
  3. a slice of meat from the flank of an animal.
  4. the side of anything, as of a building.
  5. Military, Navy. the extreme right or left side of an army or fleet, or a subdivision of an army or fleet.
  6. Fortification.
    1. the right or left side of a work or fortification.
    2. the part of a bastion that extends from the curtain to the face and protects the curtain and the opposite face.
  7. Machinery. (on a screw thread or the like) either of the two vertical inclined surfaces between the crest and the root.


verb (used with object)

  1. to stand or be placed or posted at the flank or side of.

    Synonyms: border, skirt, edge, line

  2. to defend or guard at the flank.
  3. Military. to menace or attack the flank of.
  4. to pass around or turn the flank of.

verb (used without object)

  1. to occupy a position at the flank or side.
  2. to present the flank or side.

flank

/ flæŋk /

noun

  1. the side of a man or animal between the ribs and the hip
  2. (loosely) the outer part of the human thigh
  3. a cut of beef from the flank
  4. the side of anything, such as a mountain or building
  5. the side of a naval or military formation


verb

  1. whenintr, often foll by on or upon to be located at the side of (an object, building, etc)
  2. military to position or guard on or beside the flank of (a formation, etc)
  3. military to move past or go round (a flank)

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Other Words From

  • un·flank verb (used with object)
  • well-flanked adjective

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Word History and Origins

Origin of flank1

before 1100; Middle English; late Old English flanc < Old French < Frankish; compare Old High German hlanca loin

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Word History and Origins

Origin of flank1

C12: from Old French flanc , of Germanic origin

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Example Sentences

After two decades of dwindling influence, NATO is refreshed and energized by the growing threat on its eastern flank.

Marinate flank steak in garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, oil, salt and pepper.

Then came accusations of centrism—now a dirty word in a party with an energized left flank.

The enemy effected and exploited a breach on the left flank, rendering the friendly positions untenable.

President Bush vetoed it, and Democrats relented in the face of outrage from their liberal flank.

Done, says he, why let fifty of our men advance, and flank them on each wing.

But one battalion was isolated on a spur, from which there seemed no way of escape save under a scorching flank fire.

He usually seizes his prey by the flank near the hind leg, or by the throat below the jaw.

Then came the turn of the Manchesters, left in the lurch, with their right flank hanging in the air.

It was a most difficult and dangerous operation, for at any moment the Archduke John might appear on the exposed right flank.

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