# stratagem

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˈstɹæt.ə.d͡ʒəm/ · frequency rank #60,492

## Definitions
1. A tactic or artifice designed to gain the upper hand, especially one involving underhanded dealings or deception.
2. Specifically, such a tactic or artifice in military operation.
3. Military deception or artifice.
4. Cunning and artifice in general.
5. A violent deed.

## Etymology
From Middle English stratageme, from Old French stratageme, from Latin strategema, from Ancient Greek στρατήγημα (stratḗgēma, “the act of a general, a piece of generalship”), from στρατηγέω (stratēgéō, “to be a general, command an army”), from στρατηγός (stratēgós, “a general, the leader or commander of an army”). See strategy.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/stratagem