Dic: a way of making something happen or making someone do something

definitions of a word:

• (formal) a way of making something happen or making someone do something.
• a method of achieving something.
• a plan or trick that is used to get something that someone wants.
• a special way of doing something that makes it easier to do.
• a plan or trick, especially for a dishonest purpose.
• a plan or plot, esp a clever or evil one; scheme; trick
• a method which is used to produce a desired effect.
• an indirect, usually cunning means of gaining an end.

.... Macmillan, Cobuild, OALD, LDOCE, Collins, CALD, Roget's II

Some example sentences or phrases:

• We needed a ______ to get him out of the house.
• They claim that military spending is used as a ______ for managing the economy.
• The report was a ______ used to hide rather than reveal problems.
• Testing yourself with information on cards is a useful ______ for studying. 
• a memory ______
• Their proposal was only a ______ to confuse the opposition. 
• A trademark can be a powerful marketing ______.
• Her cool manner is just a ______ to avoid having to talk to people.

.... Macmillan, Cobuild, OALD, LDOCE, CALD

※ What is the word?

This is a question for myself whether I can retain, after some long time, what I'm reviewing now through various dictionaries. #dic #question