tactic

[ tak-tik ]

noun

1. tactics ( def 1 ).
2. a system or a detail of tactics.
3. a plan, procedure, or expedient for promoting a desired end or result.

adjective

1. of or relating to arrangement or order; tactical.

tactic

¹

/ ˈtæktɪk /

noun

1. a piece of tactics; tactical move See also tactics

-tactic

²

combining form

1. having a specified kind of pattern or arrangement or having an orientation determined by a specified force

   syndiotactic

   phototactic

Other Words From

• non·tactic noun adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of tactic¹

First recorded in 1560–70; New Latin tacticus, from Greek taktikós “fit for arranging or ordering,” from tak-, base of tássein ( Attic táttein ) “to arrange, put in order” + -tikos -tic

Word History and Origins

Origin of tactic¹

from Greek taktikos relating to order or arrangement; see tactics

Example Sentences

Many senators in both parties have already expressed concerns about some of Trump’s selections, but Trump has said he expects the body to test a controversial tactic that would let him bypass the confirmation process.

From Los Angeles Times

The tactic, conceived in the horse-and-buggy days when Congress met part time, would probably be challenged in court.

From Los Angeles Times

That tactic has paid off in a number of surprising places, including the supreme courts of Oklahoma and North Dakota.

From Slate

Forging a tight bond among the team has been a key tactic for Keothavong as Britain aim to win the BJK Cup for the first time, as well as being able to choose from her strongest available squad.

From BBC

Like their American counterparts, Russian police operate on a system of quotas, and to meet those demands a common tactic was to catch a low-level seller or user, then put the squeeze on them till they turn in their buddies.

From Salon

Related Words

• ploy