transitive verb1:attach; especially: to fasten or affix with tacks 2: to join in a slight or hasty manner 3 a: to add as a supplement b: to add (a rider) to a parliamentary bill 4: to change the direction of (a sailing ship) when sailing close-hauled by turning the bow to the wind and shifting the sails so as to fall off on the other side at about the same angle as beforeintransitive verb1 a: to tack a sailing ship bof a ship: to change to an opposite tack by turning the bow to the wind c: to follow a course against the wind by a series of tacks 2 a: to follow a zigzag course b: to modify one's policy or attitude abruptly