Outwit

/aʊtˈwɪt/

Meaning & Definition

verb

To defeat or gain an advantage over someone by being more clever or crafty.

She managed to outwit her opponents in the debate by presenting unexpected arguments.

To outsmart someone; to trick someone.

He tried to outwit the puzzle by finding the patterns quickly.

To gain the upper hand through intelligence or strategy.

The detective was able to outwit the criminal by setting a clever trap.

To use one's wits to overcome difficulties or obstacles.

In order to escape from the room, he had to outwit the security system.

To cleverly avoid detection or capture.

The spy outwitted the guards and escaped the facility unnoticed.

From 'out-' meaning 'beyond' + 'wit' meaning 'intellect, intelligence'.

outwit one's rivals

to gain an advantage over competitors through cleverness.

outwit the system

to cleverly navigate or circumvent rules or regulations.

wit

the ability to make clever and quick remarks.

intelligence

the ability to acquire and apply knowledge and skills.

cunning

having or showing skill in achieving one's ends by deceit or evasion.

To hoodwink or bamboozle someone.

He totally outwitted his friends with that prank.

Pull a fast one on someone.

She outwitted her boss by finishing the project ahead of time.