tactictac‧tic /ˈtæktɪk/ ●●○ noun [countable] 
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.2tactics [plural] the science of arranging and moving military forces in a battle → strong-arm tactics at strong-armCOLLOCATIONSADJECTIVES/NOUN + tactica 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.verbsuse 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 anymore – I know you too well.phrasesa change of tactics· They trailed 2–1 at half time, but a change of tactics brought a 3–2 win.
WORD ORIGINtactic
Origin:
1600-1700 Modern Latin tactica, from Greek taktika, from tassein ‘to arrange, place in battle formation’EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- Giving out criticism rather than praise is a tactic that rarely works in the workplace.
- He's threatening to sue us? That's a tactic he's used before.
- The question was just a delaying tactic to stop her leaving the room.
- We may have to use more aggressive tactics to get rid of him.
- Alas, many companies are already wise to this tactic.
- One tactic is simply to shield the device, by enclosing it in a metal or plastic box of low impedance.
- One tactic she has used is to decide matters outside the formal Cabinet, either in committees or in informal groups.
- She had always failed in the tactics of small talk.
- Some Wall Street firms have expressed outrage at punitive awards, and many investors have complained of brokers' stalling tactics.
- The men, as one might imagine, were not so happy with the tactic.
Longman Language Activatorto deliberately delay someone or something
to deliberately delay doing something, or to deliberately stop someone else from doing something until a later time, either because you are not ready or to give yourself an advantage: · Quit stalling and tell me where she is.· I'm not ready to talk to him yet - go out there and see if you can stall him.· City officials have slowed the development by stalling building permits for the area.
to deliberately try to delay doing something or making a decision, because you are not ready or want more time to think about it: · Stop playing for time and give us an answer.· The rebel's current ceasefire doesn't amount to much more than playing for time.
methods used, especially by politicians, in order to delay a plan or decision so that something can be done during the delay: · Some politicians are prepared to use delaying tactics to block the bill.· The peace negotiations were being held up by the delaying tactics of France and Great Britain.
to delay doing something that you ought to do, usually because you do not want to do it - used especially to show disapproval: · He hesitated and procrastinated for weeks before he finally told her he wanted their relationship to end.procrastinate about/over: · Certain players are procrastinating over their contracts in order to see how much money they can squeeze out of their clubs.
to force someone do something by using threats or violence · If you don't comply I'm afraid we'll have to force you.force somebody to do something · Thieves had tied him up and forced him to lie on the floor.· All the hostages were forced to hand over their passports.force somebody into (doing) something · She claimed she was forced to take part in the robbery by her husband.
to force someone to do something by using violence or threats: · I didn't want to take part in the attack but the soldiers made me.make somebody do something: · They made sales staff open the safe.be made to do something: · The couple were made to hand over all their money and jewellery.
written to force someone to do something that they do not want to do by threatening that something bad might happen to them if they do not do it: · Ray withdrew his confession, saying that he had been coerced by the police.coerce somebody into doing something: · The mine owners coerced the workers into going back to work, by threatening to close down the mines completely.· Officials coerced peasants into voting for the government candidates. coerce somebody to do something: · The company paid the workers the minimum rate of $4.86 an hour, but coerced some to give back half their pay in cash.
formal to make someone do something by using force or official power: compel somebody to do something: · All the young men in the area were compelled to work in the quarries and coal mines.· The attorney general has the right to compel witnesses to appear in court.
informal to force someone to do something by shouting at them, treating them badly, or using threats: · Don't let the salesman bully you -- it's your choice.bully somebody into doing something: · If you try and bully him into giving you the money he's sure to say no -- you should try and persuade him gently.bully somebody into something: · Ben didn't want to study law, but his father bullied him into it by threatening to cut off his allowance.
to force someone to give you money or do what you want, by threatening to tell embarrassing secrets about them: · Gina tried to blackmail him, by threatening to tell his wife about their affair.blackmail somebody into doing something: · The FBI blackmailed her into informing on the other members of the gang.
if someone uses force , they hit, shoot, or use other forms of violence against people in order to make them do something or stop them from doing something: · The regime was quite willing to use force and terror against its enemies. · The law permits every citizen to use reasonable force to defend themselves or their property.use force against: · The police have recently had to defend their policy of using force against rioters.
violence or the threat of violence, used to force someone to do something: · The police have been accused of using strongarm tactics when breaking up strikes and public demonstrations.use strongarm tactics/methods to do something: · More and more credit companies are using strongarm methods to collect debts.
if someone does something under duress , they only agree to do it because they have been threatened, not because they want to do it: · The defendants claimed that their confessions were made under duress.· Judge Mershon ruled that the agreement was signed under duress, and was therefore null and void.
the method you use to achieve something a method, system, machine etc that you use to do something or achieve something: · We aim to use peaceful means to bring about change.means of doing something: · Education and training are the most effective means of improving the nation's economy.by means of something (=using a particular method or system): · He came to power by means of a military coup in 1960.by peaceful/political/unlawful etc means: · The judge ruled that Smith had been elected by unlawful means.means of communication/transport/transportation: · E-mail has become an increasingly important means of business communication.means to an end (=something that you do only as a way of achieving something else): · You should not regard the course simply as a means to an end.
a particular method or system that you use to get a result, especially in business or politics: · Pictures of fleeing refugees were used as an effective propaganda tool against the Communists.tool of: · Interest rates are one of the Finance Minister's main tools of economic policy.tool for (doing) something: · Dance and aerobics classes are a useful tool for encouraging girls back to school P.E. lessons.
a carefully planned way of trying to get what you want: · He's threatening to sue us? That's a tactic he's used before.· Giving out criticism rather than praise is a tactic that rarely works in the workplace.delaying tactic (=something you do to gain more time for yourself): · The question was just a delaying tactic to stop her leaving the room.
plural media formal a physical or electronic method used for giving people information, for example the telephone, television, newspapers etc: · The wide variety of electronic media available on the Internet.medium for (doing) something: · DVDs have quickly become an extremely popular medium for film viewing.
written something you use as a way of expressing your ideas, communicating something to people, or achieving what you want: vehicle for (doing) something: · the use of TV soap operas as a vehicle for spreading public information· The secret ballot was an important vehicle for freer elections.
a way of achieving something - use this especially when there are several different ways and you are trying to find the best one or the only one that is really possible: · We explored every possible avenue, but still couldn't come up with a solution.
a way or method of doing something · Websites can be designed in many different ways.way to do something · Visiting a country is a great way to learn its language.· There's more than one way to build a house - all builders work differently.· I tried every way I could to make the child go to bed, but she refused.way of doing something · Is there any way of controlling the heating in here?the way (that) somebody does something · I'll show you the way we calculate the figures.the best/only way · What's the best way to remove wine stains?· The only way to lose weight is to eat less.the right/wrong way · The government does not believe that this approach is the right way to deal with the problem.the way to go about something · I think you're going about this in completely the wrong way.
a way of doing something, especially one that is well known and often used: · Printing methods have changed completely in the last twenty years.· In this school, staff are given complete freedom in their choice of language teaching methods.· Make a list of the different methods you could use in conducting a survey.method of: · You can choose whichever method of payment you prefer.method of/for doing something: · Medical science has not yet found a satisfactory method of treating cholera.· an environmentally-friendly method for treating household waste
a way of dealing with a particular problem or situation, especially a way that has been carefully thought about or planned: · The main advantage of this approach is its simplicity. approach to: · Today's approach to raising children is very different from 40 years ago.· Space scientists had to adopt a whole new approach to design and construction.
a particular way of doing something, for which you need a skill that has to be learned and practised: · More and more heart patients are surviving thanks to improved surgical techniques.· helpful tips on how to improve your exam techniquetechnique for doing something: · Chapter 6 describes useful techniques for creating on-screen filing systems that really work.
a set of carefully planned methods for achieving something that is difficult and may take a long time: · We will continue to update our sales strategy.strategy for (doing) something: · The government has no long-term strategy for reducing crime.strategy to do something: · a strategy to reduce the level of teenage smoking
a planned and effective way of doing something that you use every time you do it: · I do the cooking and Andrew does the shopping; it's an excellent system.system of doing something: · I work a lot more quickly now I've developed an efficient system of working.system for doing something: · Ryan thinks he's discovered a system for winning at roulette.
methods that you use in order to achieve what you want, especially in a game or competition: · Salesmen use all sorts of clever tactics to persuade people to buy from them.· The team was busy discussing tactics for the game.· He played with the confidence of a winning captain, instinctively changing tactics when necessary.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRYADJECTIVES/NOUN + tactic Most children are skilled in diversionary tactics. The report examines teaching methods employed in the classroom. Employers used scare tactics to force a return to work.
(=an action which gives you more time)· His enemies believed that his sickness was just another delaying tactic.
(=in which you deliberately try to frighten people)· He accused the opposition of scare tactics.
(=in which you deliberately try to shock people)· The charity resorted to shock tactics to try to bring its message home.
(=the use of force, violence, or threats)· Others were furious at what they said were government strong-arm tactics over the vote.
(=an action which draws attention away from something)· Before the attack, nearby areas were bombed as a diversionary tactic.
(=actions which are not fair or honest)· I wouldn't stoop to such sneaky, underhand tactics.
verbs· We used various tactics to get their support.
formal (=use a tactic)· Many species of fish employ similar defence tactics.
· Manchester United switched tactics in the second half.
(=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.
(=is successful)· Those tactics won’t work with me anymore – I know you too well.
phrases· They trailed 2–1 at half time, but a change of tactics brought a 3–2 win.
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES Most children are skilled in diversionary tactics. The report examines teaching methods employed in the classroom. Employers used scare tactics to force a return to work.· Sensing that his victim was going to escape him, he switched tactics.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADJECTIVE· Those highly visible operations, which featured heavily armed government forces using aggressive pressure tactics, ended in deadly violence.
· She decided on a delaying tactic.· Instead of introducing immediate legislation, the Home Office responded with time-honoured delaying tactics.· It will also be granted if any defence raised is shown merely to be a delaying tactic.· Some southern areas managed the change to integrated schools without much difficulty; but many used every possible delaying tactic.· Appeasement caused by blindness was followed by delaying tactics and doublespeak intended to buy time.· Such concessions as they made were mere delaying tactics.· Now, can we cut out the delaying tactics and get on with it?
· Wherever the pressure occurred, a different tactic had to be developed to release it.· Except during the general offensive, lasting from late 1967 until May of 1969, the enemy relied on different tactics.· After they'd gone, Nell tried a different tactic.· Art Mitz relied on a different tactic.· For this the recantations were insufficient, and different tactics were now applied to obtain a much more abject confession.· However, a different tactic is adopted here.
· For more than a week before the Inchon landing, the Allied forces used diversionary tactics by bombing nearby areas.
· The failure of the Guadalajara offensive marked the end of a period of change discernible in Franco's military tactics.· C., handed down an abundance of wisdom about military strategy and tactics that have considerable application to all businesses.· It is a favourite military tactic ... the pincer movement!
· He was puzzled: he could not understand this new tactic.· Police spoke of a benign new law enforcement tactic no more intrusive than a video camera at a convenience store.· The miners' strike was a platform for the exercise of new police tactics to deal with disorder.· We were fully confident that these new tactics would assure us of victory.· So a new tactic was adopted and each put in £10, raising a further £200 to £300 from friends.· They told him it was time for new tactics.· But Sunday afternoon, the demonstrators regained possession of the streets by resorting to their new tactic of creating gigantic traffic jams.
· What political strategies and tactics are used to influence budget allocations? 6.· For the dominant, there may be a more flexible perimeter, depending upon the political tactics of the time.
· Insurance salespeople can use similar tactics.· Reptiles and insects employ similar tactics, but in their case eye-spots are not necessary to deflect the interest of their predators.· Repealers were forced to adopt similar tactics.· Some small cavity-nesting birds, rather surprisingly, employ similar tactics.
NOUN· In the runoff campaign both candidates used negative campaign tactics, personal attack and innuendo.· But Clinton, aides say, is eager to show this bully pulpit approach amounts to more than campaign tactics.· The campaign tactics of the two contestants differed markedly.· Dole has made mistakes, flip-flopped on issues and indulged in objectionable campaign tactics.
· This claim has never been proved and it may have been part of the Securitate's scare tactics.· Republicans have complained that Democrats are using Social Security scare tactics to incite seniors groups and others to oppose the constitutional amendment.· Whatever you may think about the morality of abortion, these are the most deplorable scare tactics.· You also wrongly stated that we use scare tactics such as hostile looks or suggestive comments to keep women away.· Then they used scare tactics, telling the audience that fat people were apt to succumb to something called Sudden Death syndrome.
· And video nasty. Shock tactics to drum safety into young drivers.· The 1955 original was a triumph of atmosphere, character, diabolical wit and outright scare-you-silly shock tactics.· Read in studio Shock tactics are being used to make young drivers more aware of danger on the roads.· Some of them think of it as shock tactics.· That's easy; shock tactics.· Read in studio Shock tactics are being used in an attempt to stop persistent drink drivers.· Time and again he has used persuasion - and on occasion shock tactics - to try to prevent young girls having abortions.· The application of shock tactics to bend the will of the unwilling.
· The economic blockade is accompanied by terror tactics.
VERB· I decided to adopt the same tactic I had used with some success at school.· He adopted the same tactic in Biarritz, with the same result.· Repealers were forced to adopt similar tactics.· Schools have adopted several tactics to raise awareness of bias.· Not wishing to risk increasing instability, Franco adopted a familiar tactic: he did nothing until the panorama became clearer.
· To change behaviour requires tactics that match the complexity of the causes.· He changed tactics and quickly turned on the faucet.· Rebels in the Tenga region changed their tactics somewhat in the last half of last month.· Gomez changed his tactics and began to work on Bognar's body.· He decided to change his tactics.· If so technology will change tactics.· I decided I'd have to change tactics.· At half time you can change your tactics and bring on a substitute.
· Voynet was exasperated by the delaying tactics of certain councils.· And the firm has deep enough pockets to see a case through years of delaying tactics by the opposition.· The Kremlin has consistently opposed their return, invoking security problems and resorting to delaying tactics.· The organization blamed delaying tactics by Prime Minister John Major for its decision to end the cease-fire.· The majority leadership's specialty became mounting filibusters or using other delaying tactics to prevent majority rule.· Especially on liberal initiatives, they face defections by moderates, as well as Republican delaying tactics.
· Karpov employed subtle psychological tactics to unsettle the campion.· Amtrak police and the U. S. Customs Service have also employed the tactic to spot drug couriers.· Reptiles and insects employ similar tactics, but in their case eye-spots are not necessary to deflect the interest of their predators.· Apple will need to employ such imaginative tactics to become profitable again.· The many hours on the road give cyclists the opportunity to employ tactics varying from the subtle to the murderous.· Morry Taylor, a businessman, gave rambling discourses on the need to employ business tactics in government; and Rep.· Some small cavity-nesting birds, rather surprisingly, employ similar tactics.
· So they had to resort to indirect tactics.· Merrill felt that students resort to these tactics when they see no other way to address the problem.· The Kremlin has consistently opposed their return, invoking security problems and resorting to delaying tactics.· But Sunday afternoon, the demonstrators regained possession of the streets by resorting to their new tactic of creating gigantic traffic jams.· Why should women resort to such devious tactics?· With no help around, you may have to resort to another tactic - a risky one: going to ground.· By turning to the Falangist component of the regime forces in this way, Franco was resorting to an old tactic.· If all this fails, you may have to resort to another tactic.
· Leeds switched tactics slightly and brought Kelly in more and more so that West ham were being skinned on both wings.· Seeing that the game was up, Kissinger switched his tactics from fighting Jackson to joining him.· But all that changed when the Cali cartel switched tactics and started relying more on ships and trucks to transport drugs.
· She tried various tactics with her husband and brothers to no avail.· I had friends who tried this tactic.· After they'd gone, Nell tried a different tactic.· Finally, buying management and their advisers should try and appreciate what tactics are being used on them.
· Insurance salespeople can use similar tactics.· A job seeker used that tactic when he made a call to Miller recently.· Telephone sales people use this tactic.· Republicans have complained that Democrats are using Social Security scare tactics to incite seniors groups and others to oppose the constitutional amendment.· An hour later they used the same tactics to gain entry to the other half of the camp.· You also wrongly stated that we use scare tactics such as hostile looks or suggestive comments to keep women away.· The track officials used tactics that begged for no debate.· Those highly visible operations, which featured heavily armed government forces using aggressive pressure tactics, ended in deadly violence.
PHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES
1a method that you use to achieve something: - And shock tactics: The drink-drive cure that's not a soft option.
- Some of them think of it as shock tactics.
- That's easy; shock tactics.
- The 1955 original was a triumph of atmosphere, character, diabolical wit and outright scare-you-silly shock tactics.
- The application of shock tactics to bend the will of the unwilling.
- Time and again he has used persuasion - and on occasion shock tactics - to try to prevent young girls having abortions.
- A case's merit should not have to depend on strong-arm tactics.
- Also rumoured they used strong-arm tactics during one of Buckmaster's many takeover bids to build up his conglomerate.
- In this game strong-arm tactics were deployed by both sides to kill five ends and force replays.
- Others were furious at what they said were government strong-arm tactics over the vote.
- Strachan believes they can do it - provided dangerman Lee Chapman gets proper protection against Stuttgart's strong-arm tactics.
- The prefect at the time, Dominique Vian, could see the advantages of Bena's strong-arm tactics.
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.2tactics [plural] the science of arranging and moving military forces in a battle → strong-arm tactics at strong-armCOLLOCATIONSADJECTIVES/NOUN + tactica 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.verbsuse 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 anymore – I know you too well.phrasesa change of tactics· They trailed 2–1 at half time, but a change of tactics brought a 3–2 win.- commencement
- commend
- commendable
- commendably
- commendation
- commensurate
- comment
- commentary
- commentate
- commentator
- commerce
- commercial
- Commercial Court
- commercialism
- commercialization
- commercialize
- commercially
- commercial traveller
- commie
- commingle
- commingling
- commiserate
- commiseration
- commissariat
- commissary