maneuver

A maneuver is a planned movement or sequence of moves designed to gain advantage, achieve a goal, or respond to a situation. As a noun, it can refer to a single movement, while as a verb, it means to perform such actions. In American English the spelling is maneuver; in British English it is manoeuvre, and the related form manoeuvring is common in both spellings.

Etymology: The term comes from the French manœuvre, meaning a movement or operation, from manœuvrer to operate, related to Latin manus “hand” and operare “to work.”

Contexts: In military usage, maneuver denotes planned repositioning of forces to gain positional advantage, a central concept in maneuver warfare and tactics. In aviation and maritime domains, maneuvers are controlled changes in heading, altitude, or speed, including aerobatic maneuvers such as rolls or loops for aircraft. In driving and boating, maneuvers include turns, overtaking, docking, and parking. In sports and performing arts, maneuvers describe coordinated movements to achieve a physical objective or artistic effect. In everyday language, to maneuver through a crowd or obstacle implies careful steering or strategic navigation.

See also: Related terms include maneuverability—the capacity to perform such movements effectively—and tactical maneuvers, feints, or formations used to influence outcomes in competition or conflict.