tactic

American  

[tak-tik] / ˈtæk tɪk /

noun

1. tactics.

2. a system or a detail of tactics.

3. a plan, procedure, or expedient for promoting a desired end or result.

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adjective

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

-tactic ¹ British  

combining form

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

   syndiotactic

   phototactic

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tactic ² British  

/ ˈtæktɪk /

noun

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

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Other Word Forms

• nontactic noun

Etymology

Origin of tactic

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

Example Sentences

In May, CIA Deputy Director Michael Ellis said the CIA was applying counterterrorism tactics to what has long been considered a law-enforcement issue.

From The Wall Street Journal

The use of jailhouse informants is not an uncommon, or illegal, tactic and tool used by law enforcement.

From Los Angeles Times

Mixing humour and politics - a tactic social scientists call "tactical frivolity" - is not new.

From BBC

All these tactics, along with many others, are being used by ordinary citizens at the grassroots level throughout the country in cities, downtown metro areas and residential neighborhoods.

From Salon

Both full-backs can play wide, which frees City's wingers to move centrally, a tactic that has been very successful this season.

From BBC

Related Words

• ploy