tac ‧ tic /ˈtæktɪk/ BrE AmE noun [countable]
[ Date: 1600-1700 ; Language: Modern Latin ; Origin: tactica , from Greek taktika , from tassein 'to arrange, place in battle formation' ]
1 . a method that you use to achieve something:
a tactic employed to speed up the peace process
Republicans accuse Democrats of using delaying tactics (=something you do in order to give yourself more time) to prevent a final vote on the bill.
Shock tactics are being used in an attempt to stop drink drivers.
2 . tactics [plural] the science of arranging and moving military forces in a battle
⇨ strong-arm tactics at ↑ strong-arm
• • •
COLLOCATIONS
■ ADJECTIVES/NOUN + tactic
▪ a delaying tactic (=an action which gives you more time)
His enemies believed that his sickness was just another delaying tactic.
▪ scare tactics (=in which you deliberately try to frighten people)
He accused the opposition of scare tactics.
▪ shock tactics (=in which you deliberately try to shock people)
The charity resorted to shock tactics to try to bring its message home.
▪ strong-arm tactics (=the use of force, violence, or threats)
Others were furious at what they said were government strong-arm tactics over the vote.
▪ a diversionary tactic (=an action which draws attention away from something)
Before the attack, nearby areas were bombed as a diversionary tactic.
▪ underhand/unfair tactics (=actions which are not fair or honest)
I wouldn't stoop to such sneaky, underhand tactics.
■ verbs
▪ use a tactic
We used various tactics to get their support.
▪ employ/adopt a tactic formal (=use a tactic)
Many species of fish employ similar defence tactics.
▪ change/switch tactics
Manchester United switched tactics in the second half.
▪ resort to a tactic (=use a tactic because there is no other way to do something)
Students resort to these tactics when they see no other way to address the problem.
▪ a tactic works (=is successful)
Those tactics won’t work with me any more – I know you too well.
■ phrases
▪ a change of tactics
They trailed 2–1 at half time, but a change of tactics brought a 3–2 win.