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 Word Forms

• 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

That’s also why Trump froze billions of dollars in federal aid to Harvard and threatened to pull that university’s tax-exempt status because it stood up to Trump’s bullying tactics on educational aid.

From Salon

A Los Angeles police officer who killed a mentally ill man last year in Koreatown employed questionable tactics but was justified in using deadly force, the department’s oversight body ruled.

From Los Angeles Times

Fabian Schmidt, a third German and green card holder, was stopped at Boston Logan International Airport and reportedly subjected to harsh interrogation tactics and shoved into a cold shower, naked.

From Los Angeles Times

Popular Gen Z retailer Revolve is facing a $50-million lawsuit alleging that the brand’s social media marketing tactics deceived at least a million consumers.

From Los Angeles Times

Still, he put a lot of money into the campaign and launched some provocative tactics, such as offering million-dollar lotteries for people to sign petitions and register to vote.

From Salon