to surpass; to outdo; to excel; to be far better; to stand out; to be outstanding; to be preeminent
to tower above (the surrounding landscape)
彼の才能は同期から抜きん出た。
His talent stood out among his classmates.
彼女の語学力がチームで抜きん出ている。
Her language skills stand out within the team.
研究分野で彼女は同世代から頭一つ抜きん出る。
In her research field, she stands head and shoulders above her peers.