pincering
Closing in bilaterally
Pincering describes a squeezing or gripping motion like that of pincers—the claw-like appendages of crabs and lobsters, or the grasping tool.
In military contexts, a pincering movement attacks from two sides simultaneously, closing in on the target: Enemy forces were pincering the battalion from north and south.
The word suggests converging pressure meant to trap or crush.
Surrounding enemy forces completely
- flankingAt the sides of
- maneuverDeliberate tactical movement
- ambushSurprise strike from concealment
- surroundEnclose on every side
blockade · entrapment · envelopment · squeeze · converge · outflank · tactical · strategic
Device for holding tight
- gripSecure manual hold
- squeezeFirm bilateral compression
- pinchSqueeze with fingertips
- claspSecuring device that clicks
seize · vice · nip · compress · clutch · holdfast · snap · tighten
Pincer-bearing shellfish
- lobsterLarge marine shellfish
- scorpionStinging arachnid with pincers
- crawfishSmall freshwater lobster relative
- chelaPincer-like claw
claw · carapace · crustacean · mandible · stinger · appendage · exoskeleton · antennae
Medical grasping instrument
- tongsHinged grasping utensil
- pliersHinged metal gripping tool
- tweezersPincerlike gripping instrument
- nippersGripping or cutting implements
clippers · hemostat · retractors · surgical · extraction · precision · manipulate · mechanical
encirclement
Surrounding enemy forces completely
surround · blockade · entrapment · envelopment · squeeze · converge · outflank · tactical · strategic · offensive
clamp
Device for holding tight
clasp · seize · vice · nip · compress · clutch · holdfast · snap · tighten · constrict
crab
Pincer-bearing shellfish
- lobsterLarge marine shellfish
- scorpionStinging arachnid with pincers
- crawfishSmall freshwater lobster relative
chela · claw · carapace · crustacean · mandible · stinger · appendage · exoskeleton · antennae
forceps
Medical grasping instrument
nippers · clippers · hemostat · retractors · surgical · extraction · precision · manipulate · mechanical · articulate
pinceringfrontal assault
Attack from the front
charging · rushing · dispersing · fanning out · spreading
pinceringbreaking out
Suddenly emerging or escaping
retreating · escaping · dispersing · scattering · withdrawing