tactic

[tak-tik]

noun

1. tactics.

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

   syndiotactic

   phototactic

tactic

²

/ ˈtæktɪk /

noun

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

Other Word Forms

• nontactic noun

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

Sir Stephen's total dismissal of the "gut instinct" tactic was particularly refreshing.

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When pressed on potential scandals that the president has taken great pains to publicly avoid, they almost universally turn to one tactic: ignore and attack the questioner.

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Whether this threat is simply a bargaining tactic remains to be seen, and it’s unclear whether health-related workers and agencies are in the crosshairs.

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That’s pretty obvious with Brazil and Argentina, which have recently, and respectively, become the targets of Mafia-style intimidation and bribery tactics.

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Still, Davids has no choice but to play her hand, using tried-and-true tactics to win reelection to a fifth term.

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Related Words

• ploy