tactics

American  

[tak-tiks] / ˈtæk tɪks /

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.

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tactics British  

/ 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

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Related Words

See strategy.

Other Word Forms

• countertactics noun
• tactician noun

Etymology

Origin of tactics

First recorded in 1620–30; tactic, -ics

Example Sentences

“This is nothing but scare tactics to get people out of the race,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

Barger referenced a former state Assembly speaker known for bare-knuckle tactics, which she said were needed now in the Capitol.

From Los Angeles Times

Troop deployments to Russia have also allowed North Korea to receive cash and possibly technical guidance on weapons and tactics.

From The Wall Street Journal

But the bumper results come against a backdrop of a legal battle: The firm has been accused of using illegal tactics to maintain a monopoly over the live music industry.

From BBC

The company faces an antitrust lawsuit from the Justice Department and allegations from the Federal Trade Commission that it used illegal ticket resale tactics that misled artists and ticket buyers.

From MarketWatch