German word

flankieren

Pronunciation

IPA/flaŋˈkiːʁən/

Meaning

  • verbflank

Example

Zwei Männer flankierten den Redner.

Two men flanked the speaker.

Illustration for flankieren (flank)

More examples

Militärpolizei flankierte den Konvoi auf beiden Seiten.

Military police flanked the convoy on both sides.

Core concept

Two figures stand at a speaker's sides, or a force works from an opponent's exposed side.

Common phrases

  • die Straße flankieren

    flank the road

  • den Konvoi flankieren

    flank the convoy

Similar words

begleiten: To go along with someone as a companion or escort.
angreifen: To launch an attack against an opponent.
schützen: To guard someone or something against danger or harm.

Definition in German

Jemanden oder etwas an der Seite begleiten oder an dessen Flanke operieren, also seitlich handeln.

Word origin

The verb is formed from the German noun Flanke with the productive ending -ieren and names action at a side or flank.

Usage tips

  • Flankieren has a formal, tactical tone and often describes security, military action, or strategic positioning rather than ordinary companionship.

Other meanings

  • accompanyverb

Opposites

Related words

  • Flankeflanknoun
  • Flankierungflankingnoun

Word lists with this word