'outmaneuver' originates from the prefix 'out-' meaning 'beyond' and the word 'maneuver' from French 'manoeuvre', which meant 'to work with the hands'.

'manoeuvre' transformed into the English word 'maneuver', and eventually became 'outmaneuver' by adding the prefix 'out-'.

Initially, it meant 'to work beyond the usual tactics', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to gain an advantage through clever tactics'.