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

combining form

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

   phototactic

   syndiotactic

tactic

²

/ ˈtæktɪk /

noun

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

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

But he added that the tactic ensured all “relevant” topics in the world of politics were back to the world of Paul.

From The Daily Beast

As an election tactic, it was a Hail-Mary move: a half-hour address by an aging actor of no political standing or constituency.

From The Daily Beast

“Once we have any intelligence about a tunnel dug into Israel, we will use whatever tactic we can to stop it,” he said.

From The Daily Beast

When that tactic failed to break the strike, the Sikhs received a visitor: a representative from the Indian consulate in Houston.

From The Daily Beast

It was a tactic designed to force Israeli concessions before talks break down.

From The Daily Beast

I wanted to jump and shout, but I compromised by taking Dr. Hudson down for a gleeful drink and planning our next tactic.

From Project Gutenberg

This old-fashioned tactic of answering one question by another, is excellent, and nearly always succeeds.

From Project Gutenberg

Throwing his wheel over slightly, he tried the tactic of crowding the other off the course.

From Project Gutenberg

In vain, or nearly so, is Friedrich's tactic or manoeuvring talent; what now is there to manoeuvre?

From Project Gutenberg

The man who overrides you will as often be pursuing a tactic as he cajoles you.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• ploy