first strike

noun

1. the initial use of nuclear weapons in a conflict, in which the attacker tries to destroy the adversary's strategic nuclear forces.

first-strike

adjective

1. (of a nuclear missile) intended for use in an opening attack calculated to destroy the enemy's nuclear weapons

Word History and Origins

Origin of first strike¹

First recorded in 1960–65

Example Sentences

It was another outstanding effort from the captain after opting to take first strike.

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Nine of those have landed since the first strike in early September.

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He said that maritime traffic in the Southern Caribbean had reduced significantly "since the first strike".

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The first strike hit at around 10:00 local time, medical staff at Nasser said.

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The union said imposing arbitration would stop the first strike by the carrier's flight attendants since 1985.

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