stratagem

[ strat-uh-juhm ]

noun

1. a plan, scheme, or trick for surprising or deceiving an enemy.
2. any artifice, ruse, or trick devised or used to attain a goal or to gain an advantage over an adversary or competitor:

   business stratagems.

   Synonyms: contrivance, maneuver, device, intrigue, deception

stratagem

/ ˈstrætɪdʒəm /

noun

1. a plan or trick, esp one to deceive an enemy

Other Words From

• strat·a·gem·i·cal [strat-, uh, -, jem, -i-k, uh, l], adjective
• strata·gemi·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of stratagem¹

1480–90; (< Middle French stratageme ) < Italian stratagemma war ruse < Latin stratēgēma < Greek stratḗgēma instance of generalship, derivative of stratēgeîn to be in command, derivative of stratēgós military commander ( strategy )

Word History and Origins

Origin of stratagem¹

C15: ultimately from Greek stratēgos a general, from stratos an army + agein to lead

Synonym Study

See trick.

Example Sentences

The actress continued with the National Theatre for another two years including a performance as Mrs Sullen in the Restoration comedy The Beaux' Stratagem in Los Angeles.

From BBC

Some of the justices constructing this two-tiered system have used every legal stratagem at their disposal to ensure that their own misconduct isn’t subject to broad public scrutiny and evaluation, thwarting ethics rules to keep their ill-begotten spoils a secret from the public, rebuffing congressional requests, and ignoring invitations to testify.

From Slate

That’s the unfortunate stratagem Katy Perry resorts to at the end of her new album, “143,” in a groaner of a closer called “Wonder” that features a guest turn by the singer’s 4-year-old daughter, Daisy.

From Los Angeles Times

Thankfully, we are at a point now where so many journalists and academics recognize that the chaos was a smokescreen, designed to cover very well-laid-out plans that had a rationale stratagem.

From Salon

Will Toranaga let his old friend kill himself in order to perpetuate what might be a carefully constructed stratagem?

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• gimmick
• one-upmanship
• ploy
• ruse
• subterfuge
• wile