outwit

IPA/ˌaʊtˈwɪt/
KK[ˈaʊtwˌɪt]IPA/ˌaʊtˈwɪt/

outwit — verb

  • outwitpresent simple I / you / we / they
  • outwitshe / she / it
  • outwittedpast simple
  • outwitting-ing form

1. to defeat someone by thinking faster and using a smart move that they do not exp

1.verbtransitiveC1
Definition

to defeat someone by thinking faster and using a smart move that they do not expect.

Example

Andrei outwitted the ticket inspector by swapping coats with his cousin.

outwit + person + by + -ing

After one fake offer, Esme outwitted the other bidders and bought the shop cheaply.

outwit rivals with a deceptive move

Common collocations
  • outwit an opponent
  • outwit the guards
  • outwit a rival
  • outwit the system
Synonyms
  • outsmart

    the most everyday choice in casual speech

  • outfox

    often suggests a sly or surprising trick

  • outmaneuver

    stresses strategy over a longer contest

Grammar Patterns

outwit + someone

outwit + someone + by + -ing

Usage Note

Usually takes a person, team, or system as its object. It suggests winning by planning ahead or using a trick, not by force alone.

Common Mistakes

We outwitted from the guards by night.
We outwitted the guards at night.
'outwit' takes a direct object and does not use 'from' before the person you beat.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: verb/1

Outwit, outsmart, and outfox all describe beating someone with better thinking, but they differ in tone. Outwit is slightly more neutral and often fits games, arguments, or situations where one side plans ahead. Outsmart is the most everyday choice and sounds natural in casual speech. Outfox often suggests a sly or surprising trick with a more playful feel. Outmaneuver usually describes a longer strategic contest in politics, business, or sport rather than one quick move. Trick is broader and may describe simple deception without the clear sense of superior planning. You might outwit a rival in one moment, but outmaneuver that rival over several weeks.

outsmart ↗outfox ↗outmaneuver ↗trick ↗

Common collocations

Phrases

  • outwit an opponent
  • outwit a rival
  • outwit the guards
  • outwit the system

Etymology

Old EnglishEnglish

Outwit was formed in English from out- and wit. In older use it could mean surpassing someone in wisdom, but in modern English it usually refers to beating another person through quicker, sharper thinking. The word keeps the older sense of wit as mental quickness, not only humour, so outwit literally suggests using better judgement than the other side.