tactic meaning: definition, etymology and quotations

tactic

noun

/ˈtæktɪk/

Etymology Borrowed from New Latin tactica, from Ancient Greek τακτικός (taktikós, “fit for ordering”), from τάσσω (tássō, “to order, to arrange”).

A maneuver, or action calculated to achieve some end.

Omar has challenged Elliott Abrams’s record in Latin America, taken a firm line against Saudi Arabia and the Emirates, and advocated for—wait for it—the two-state solution for Israel and Palestine (even though the headlines have focused on her expressing support for the right to boycott as a tactic).2019 September 10, Jonathan Guyer, The American Prospect, number Fall 2019:

Government, Military, Politics, War A maneuver used against an enemy.

Board games, Chess, Games A sequence of moves that limits the opponent's options and results in an immediate and tangible advantage, typically in the form of material.

Derived terms: counter-tactic, countertactic, delaying tactic, delay tactic, scare tactic

tactic

adj

Etymology Borrowed from New Latin tactica, from Ancient Greek τακτικός (taktikós, “fit for ordering”), from τάσσω (tássō, “to order, to arrange”).

Government, Military, Politics, War Dated Tactical; of or relating to the art of military and naval tactics.

But time will teach the Russ, ev'n conquering War Has handmaid arts: aye, aye, the Russ will woo All sciences that speed Bellona's car, All murder's tactic arts, and win them too […]1831, Thomas Campbell, The Power of Russia:

Chemistry, Natural sciences, Physical sciences Describing a polymer whose repeat units are identical

Derived terms: cistactic, ditactic, endotactic, intertactic, transtactic, tritactic