tactic
/ˈtaktɪk
/noun
1An action or strategy carefully planned to achieve a specific end: the minority attempted to control the Council by a delaying tactic these are possible tax-saving tactics to discuss with your accountant...
- His tactic is to approach strangers asking for money, often bursting into tears.
- A favourite tactic is to slowly move up and down the platform quietly expelling air.
- I think it's just a deliberate tactic they use to keep the game at their pace.
Synonyms
strategy, scheme, stratagem, plan, set of tactics, manoeuvre, course/line of action;
method, programme, expedient, gambit, move, approach, tack, path, road;
device, trick, ploy, dodge, ruse, game, machination, contrivance, stunt;
(tactics) means, wiles, artifice, subterfuge
informal wangle, caper
archaic shift
1.1 (tactics) [also treated as singular] The art of disposing armed forces in order of battle and of organizing operations, especially during contact with an enemy: basic infantry tactics were taught by guest instructors...Often contrasted with strategy.
- British tactics as well as strategy tended to err on the side of caution, American on the side of rashness.
- If you want to beat your enemy, you must know your enemy and study the tactics of your enemy.
- His victory was not marked by a surrender but by a change of enemy tactics.
Synonyms
battle plans, plans, game plans;
moves, manoeuvres, logistics;
strategy, policy, campaign;
generalship, military science;
organization, planning, arrangement, administration, direction, masterminding, orchestration, handling, running
Origin
Mid 18th century: from modern Latin tactica, from Greek taktikē (tekhnē) '(art) of tactics', feminine of taktikos, from taktos 'ordered, arranged', from the base of tassein 'arrange'.