What does outwit mean?
Outwit means to defeat or outmaneuver someone by using greater cleverness, insight, or knowledge of their methods. The word often implies that the person has been deceived, deceived into a false assumption, or trapped by an unexpected maneuver. For example, a detective might outwit a suspect by allowing the suspect to reveal an important detail, while a strategist might outwit a rival by anticipating the rival's next move. Although outsmart is a close synonym, outwit more strongly suggests a successful trick or the exploitation of an opponent's reasoning. The word is especially useful when describing contests, mysteries, negotiations, negotiations, and strategic games in which intelligence matters more than simple force or speed.
verbTo defeat or gain an advantage over someone by being more clever or better informed than they are. It often implies outsmarting or outmaneuvering an opponent through a clever trick or strategy.
- To defeat someone by being cleverer or more insightful than they are.
"The young detective outwitted the criminals by pretending to overlook the missing evidence."
"The chess player outwitted her opponent with an unexpected final move."
"The rebels outwitted the occupying forces by disguising their supply convoy."
To outwit someone is to use your cleverness against them, turning an opponent's apparent strength into the very means of their defeat.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does outwit come from?
Outwit is formed from the prefix out-, meaning “beyond” or “to a greater degree than,” and the noun wit, meaning quick intelligence or cleverness. Its literal sense is therefore to get the better of someone by superior wit. The word developed in the early modern period, when English was increasingly using the prefix out- to express surpassing or defeating someone in a particular respect. Wit, witty, and witticism belong to the same wider family of words connected with intelligence and clever expression.
Related word forms
How outwit is actually used
The word is usually transitive and carries a mildly approving sense of cleverness. It is common in formal writing, journalism, and discussion of strategy, puzzles, and competitive activity.
Easily confused with outwit
Outwit usually suggests defeating someone through clever deception or an unexpected trick, whereas outsmart can also mean simply proving more intelligent or capable than another person.