noun
1. a planned military movement, as of troops, ships, or tanks.
The maneuver was carried out according to plan.
2. (pl.) a series of such movements used as a military training exercise.
The army is conducting maneuvers in the area.
3. a movement or change in direction requiring skill and dexterity.
An adroit maneuver brought the boat safely past the reef.
4. a skillful or crafty procedure or manipulation.
The lawyer used a clever maneuver to force a mistrial.
transitive verb
1. to skillfully move (something) to a desired position or goal, or to manage using strategy and cleverness; manipulate.
The captain maneuvered the ship into the narrow harbor.
He maneuvered himself so that he was close to the leader and could gain his trust.
2. to make a tactical change in the placement of (troops or military vehicles).
intransitive verb
1. to change position, location, or approach for tactical advantage or as part of a plan.
2. to carry out a military maneuver or series of maneuvers.