Mutual Assured Destruction

American  

noun

1. a U.S. doctrine of reciprocal deterrence resting on the U.S. and Soviet Union each being able to inflict unacceptable damage on the other in retaliation for a nuclear attack.

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Example Sentences

Since the U.S. and the Soviet Union blundered into their nuclear suicide pact in the 1950s, it has come to be known as Mutual Assured Destruction, or MAD.

From Salon • Mar. 30, 2022

He rejected the prevailing nuclear doctrine, Mutual Assured Destruction, which postulates that the devastation accompanying a nuclear exchange will deter the use of such weapons.

From Time Magazine Archive

There have been two revolutions in nuclear theology since the doctrine of Mutual Assured Destruction became dominant four decades ago.

From Time Magazine Archive

Washington, by contrast, is completely defenseless to missile attack, in keeping with the spirit of Mutual Assured Destruction.

From Time Magazine Archive

Scott viewed it as a high tech MAD - Mutual Assured Destruction, com- puter wise.

From Terminal Compromise: computer terrorism: when privacy and freedom are the victims: a novel by Schwartau, Winn