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stratagem

noun

/ˈstræt ə dʒəm/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of stratagem

A plan, tactic, or scheme that is used to deceive or outwit an opponent in a particular situation.
"The thief's stratagem was to create a diversion to distract the guards."

Detailed meaning of stratagem

The term is often used in military contexts, where it refers to a plan of action designed to deceive the enemy or gain an advantage in battle. However, the concept of stratagem can be applied to a wide range of situations, from business to politics and personal relationships. A successful stratagem typically involves careful planning, cunning, and the ability to think on one's feet. It may also require a certain level of creativity, as well as an understanding of human psychology and the motivations of others.

Example sentences containing stratagem

1. The general devised a stratagem to outflank the enemy.
2. The politician employed a clever stratagem to win over the voters.
3. The spy had to come up with a new stratagem to get the information.
4. The coach's stratagem paid off as the team won the game.
5. The company's stratagem was to offer discounts to attract customers.
6. The captain's stratagem was to distract the enemy while his troops advanced.

History and etymology of stratagem

The noun 'stratagem' has its origins in ancient Greek and Latin. It can be traced back to the Greek word 'stratēgēma,' which referred to a military maneuver or a tactic used in battle. This term was derived from 'stratēgos,' meaning 'general' or 'commander.' In Latin, it evolved into 'stratagemma,' maintaining its association with clever tactics and strategies. Over time, the concept of 'stratagem' expanded beyond the battlefield to describe any plan, tactic, or scheme devised to deceive or outwit an opponent in various situations, including non-military contexts. Thus, the etymology of 'stratagem' highlights its historical connection to strategic thinking and the art of using clever schemes to gain an advantage, whether in warfare or in everyday challenges.

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Further usage examples of stratagem

1. The hacker's stratagem was to use social engineering to gain access to the system.
2. The detective's stratagem was to set a trap for the suspect.
3. The general's stratagem was to feign a retreat to lure the enemy into a trap.
4. The businessman's stratagem was to diversify his portfolio to minimize risks.
5. The marketing team's stratagem was to use social media influencers to promote the product.
6. His cunning stratagem involved feigning retreat before launching a surprise attack.
7. She concocted a complex stratagem involving decoys and diversions to confuse the enemy.
8. The general's strategic stratagem relied on exploiting the opponent's weaknesses.
9. Their electoral stratagem encompassed grassroots mobilization and targeted messaging.
10. The spy's ingenious stratagem included a codebreaking operation and double agents.
11. The marketing team devised a multifaceted stratagem to capture a wider audience.
12. His stratagem relied on misdirection, diverting attention from his true intentions.
13. The hacker's sophisticated stratagem involved a combination of social engineering and malware.
14. The business mogul's disruptive stratagem reshaped the entire industry landscape.
15. The magician's mystifying stratagem left spectators bewildered and amazed.
16. Her diplomatic stratagem fostered peace negotiations in a historically hostile region.
17. The heist's intricate stratagem involved precise timing and coordination.
18. The team's audacious stratagem caught the opponent completely off guard.
19. The detective's meticulous stratagem pieced together the puzzle of the unsolved case.
20. The explorer's audacious stratagem led to the discovery of a hidden treasure trove.
21. The chess player's clever stratagem exploited an opponent's positional weakness.
22. The negotiation's diplomatic stratagem aimed at bridging long-standing divides.
23. The thief's elaborate stratagem involved bypassing high-tech security systems.
24. The spy's covert stratagem uncovered a vast espionage network.
25. The scientist's innovative stratagem revolutionized the field of quantum computing.