maneuver
Etymology

From Middle French manœuvre and manouvrer ("to maneuver"), from Old French manovre, from Medieval Latin manopera, manuopera ("work done by hand, handwork"), from manu ("by hand") + operari ("to work").

Pronunciation
  • (America) IPA: /məˈnuːvɚ/
  • (RP) IPA: /məˈnuːvə/
  • (Philippine, nonstandard) IPA: /məˈnjuːvɚ/
Noun

maneuver (plural maneuvers) (American spelling)

  1. (military) The planned movement of troops, vehicles etc.; a strategic repositioning; a large training field-exercise of fighting units. [from 18th c.]
    The army was on maneuvers.
    Joint NATO maneuvers are as much an exercise in diplomacy as in tactics and logistics.
  2. Any strategic or cunning action; a stratagem. [from 18th c.]
    • 1782, Frances Burney, Cecilia, III.v.7:
      “This,” cried he, “is a manœuvre I have been some time expecting: but Mr. Harrel, though artful and selfish, is by no means deep.”
  3. A movement of the body, or with an implement, instrument etc., especially one performed with skill or dexterity. [from 18th c.]
  4. (medicine) A specific medical or surgical movement, often eponymous, done with the doctor's hands or surgical instruments. [from 18th c.]
    The otorhinolaryngologist performed an Epley maneuver and the patient was relieved of his vertigo.
  5. A controlled (especially skillful) movement taken while steering a vehicle. [from 18th c.]
    Parallel parking can be a difficult maneuver.
Translations Translations Translations Verb

maneuver (maneuvers, present participle maneuvering; simple past and past participle maneuvered) (American spelling)

  1. (ambitransitive) To move (something, or oneself) carefully, and often with difficulty, into a certain position.
  2. (figurative, transitive) To guide, steer, manage purposefully
  3. (figurative, intransitive) To intrigue, manipulate, plot, scheme
    The patriarch maneuvered till his offspring occupied countless key posts
Translations Translations


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