'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 combined with 'out-' to form 'outmaneuver'.

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'.