pincer movement

noun

: a military attack by two groups of soldiers that approach an enemy position from two different directions at the same time

Full Definition of PINCER MOVEMENT

: a military attack by two coordinated forces that close in on an enemy position from different directions

: a combination of two forces acting against an opposing force

See pincer movement defined for English-language learners

1938

Next Word in the Dictionary: pincettePrevious Word in the Dictionary: pincerAll Words Near: pincer movement

What made you want to look up pincer movement? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Put-downs with flair

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears