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)

   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

Other Word Forms

• countertactics noun
• tactician 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

While there has been more construction in disaster-prone areas, Weiss added that there are also “increasingly aggressive tactics often used by many property insurers to deny legitimate claims.”

Read more on MarketWatch

“I neither confirm nor deny rumors that involve the tactics of the campaign,” Munger told reporters.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

In the process, his tactics have sparked a rule change from FIDE, instant backlash to the change, and sent the chess world into a full-blown freakout.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

And on their way to another title, the Panthers used all those penalties and aggressive tactics to drag teams into the mud alongside them.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

Questions about U.S. tactics had surfaced from the outset, when Bradley put Collin Morikawa and Harris English together for the opening session of foursomes, where teammates alternate shots.

Read more on Wall Street Journal