Meaning & use

flank

verb·Academic

To be positioned on each side of someone or something, often for support or protection.

See it in a sentence

Two bodyguards flanked the president as he walked to the podium.

Tall oak trees flanked the long driveway leading to the estate.

A note on using this word

As a noun, flank refers to the side of a person, animal, or military formation, as in 'the enemy's flank was exposed.'

Words with a similar meaning

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Another way to use it

2. noun

The side of a person, animal, or military formation.

The general ordered troops to attack from the enemy's weaker flank.

Make it your own

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