What tactical task involves making an enemy combat-ineffective temporarily?

The tactical task that involves making an enemy combat-ineffective temporarily is best described by the term "defeat." When forces aim to defeat an enemy, they focus on rendering that enemy incapable of effective resistance, though not necessarily destroying them completely. This can be accomplished through various means, such as disrupting their command and control, inflicting casualties, or compromising their morale and cohesion.

Defeat carries the implication of achieving a level of control over the battlefield and can result in the enemy being unable to operate effectively for a certain period. This does not mean their total destruction, which could take longer and involve different tactics.

In contrast, options like "destroy" imply total annihilation of enemy forces, while "contain" means to prevent enemy movement without necessarily making them combat-ineffective. "Clear" typically involves removing enemy forces from a specific area, which generally leads to their destruction rather than just making them ineffective temporarily. Thus, the concept of defeating an enemy directly aligns with the idea of temporarily neutralizing their combat effectiveness.