tactics

[ tak-tiks ]

noun

1. (usually used with a singular verb) the art or science of disposing military or naval forces for battle and maneuvering them in battle.
2. (used with a plural verb) the maneuvers themselves.
3. (used with a singular verb) any mode of procedure for gaining advantage or success.
4. (usually used with a singular verb) Linguistics.
   1. the patterns in which the elements of a given level or stratum in a language may combine to form larger constructions.
   2. the study and description of such patterns.

tactics

/ ˈtæktɪks /

plural noun

1. functioning as singular military the art and science of the detailed direction and control of movement or manoeuvre of forces in battle to achieve an aim or task
2. the manoeuvres used or plans followed to achieve a particular short-term aim

Derived Forms

• tacˈtician, noun

Other Words From

• counter·tactics noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of tactics¹

First recorded in 1620–30; tactic, -ics

Word History and Origins

Origin of tactics¹

C17: from New Latin tactica, from Greek ta taktika the matters of arrangement, neuter plural of taktikos concerning arrangement or order, from taktos arranged (for battle), from tassein to arrange

Synonym Study

See strategy.

Example Sentences

Then there is the nature of the tactics themselves.

From BBC

And these tactics are not new, as history tells us.

From Los Angeles Times

This serves as the background rationale for a wide range of voter-suppression efforts and extra-legal intimidation tactics.

From Salon

Now organizations across California are mobilizing the same tactics to prepare for another Trump administration.

From Los Angeles Times

In 2023, the American Medical Association refused to debate a resolution calling for a ceasefire, while in June of this year dozens of health care professionals and students protested the AMA’s House of Delegates meeting in Chicago, where a compromise resolution calling generally for peace in Israel and Palestine ultimately won over resolutions that would have called explicitly for a ceasefire, condemned collective punishment tactics such as restricting access to food, water or health care, and opposed U.S. funding to entities that commit war crimes.

From Salon