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Meaning & use

flank

verb, noun·Academic

Last updated

UK/flæŋk/
US/flæŋk/

Meanings

  1. verbtransitive

    To stand or be placed at the side or both sides of someone or something.

    Grammar: Takes an object, often in the passive: flanked by guards.

    Patterns

    • be flanked by something
    • flank something

    Two tall trees flank the entrance to the park.

    The president walked in flanked by security guards.

    Shelves flanked the fireplace on either side.

  2. nouncountable

    The soft side of the body of a person or animal, between the ribs and the hip.

    Grammar: Often used for animals: the horse's flank.

    Patterns

    • on the flank

    The rider patted the horse's flank.

    He felt a sharp pain in his left flank.

    Butchers sell a cut of beef from the flank.

  3. nouncountablemilitarysport

    The right or left side of an army, a team or a building.

    Grammar: In military and sports talk: the left flank.

    Patterns

    • attack the flank

    The general ordered troops to guard the northern flank.

    The winger sprinted down the right flank.

    Cliffs protected the flank of the castle.

Word forms

third person singularflanks
past tenseflanked
-ing formflanking
pluralflanks

Common combinations

flanked by
The door was flanked by stone lions.
attack the flank
The cavalry attacked the enemy flank.
left flank
The left flank was weaker than the center.
flank steak
We grilled a flank steak for dinner.
flank on both sides
Trees flank the road on both sides.

Synonyms and how they differ

border
Border means to touch the edge of something, while flank means standing beside it, usually in a pair.
side
Side is general, and flank is a specific term for the side of a body, army or object.
edge
Edge describes the outer limit, while flank points to a protected or guarded side.
surround
Surround means be on all sides, but flank is only on one or two sides.

Word family

flanker noun
a player or soldier positioned on the side
flanked adjective
having something at the side
outflank verb
to get around an enemy's side
flanking adjective
on the side, as in a flanking attack

Commonly confused: flank or flange? flank or plank?

flank vs flange

A flange is a projecting rim on a pipe or wheel, which is not the same as a flank.

flank vs plank

A plank is a board; it only looks and sounds similar.

Practice

The prime minister entered the hall ___ two aides.

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