first strike

American  

noun

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

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first-strike British  

adjective

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

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Etymology

Origin of first strike

First recorded in 1960–65

Example Sentences

“Once the first strikes took place, there was nothing complicated about where to fly,” said another pilot.

From The Wall Street Journal

Footage of the first strike has already been released.

From BBC

In response to a reporter's question during a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Hegseth said that he watched the first strike "live" but quickly moved on to another meeting.

From BBC

“We didn’t come out hot, and we let them get the first strike in and we were battling for the rest of that game,” Rams defensive tackle Kobie Turner said.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Barron's