second-strike

American  

[sek-uhnd-strahyk] / ˈsɛk əndˈstraɪk /

adjective

1. noting, pertaining to, or using nuclear forces capable of withstanding attack and retaliating after an adversary has launched a first strike.

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second-strike British  

adjective

1. (of a nuclear weapon) intended to be used in a counterattack in response to a nuclear attack

2. (of a strategy) based on the concept of surviving an initial nuclear attack with enough nuclear weaponry to retaliate

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Other Word Forms

• second strike noun

Etymology

Origin of second-strike

First recorded in 1960–65; second ¹ ( def. ) + strike (in the sense “military attack”

Example Sentences

Lyle Morris, a senior fellow at the Asia Society Policy Institute, told the BBC that developments such as hypersonic missiles were making China reconsider its second-strike policy, forcing the expansion of its stockpile.

From BBC • Oct. 19, 2023

The weapons information “made an important contribution to the Chinese objective to maintain a second-strike capability and provided useful information for future designs,” the assessment said.

From Washington Times • Jan. 3, 2023

“China is building a larger and increasingly capable nuclear missile force that is more survivable, more diverse, and on higher alert than in the past,” including systems designed to ensure an intercontinental second-strike capability.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 19, 2021

Because subs are undetectable and therefore invulnerable to attack, they are the best platforms for second-strike weapons—the most reliable deterrent.

From Slate • Apr. 23, 2021

To maximize its second-strike capability, China’s missile subs would need to be stealthy enough to go undetected as they sail to their patrol areas in the open ocean.

From Reuters • May 2, 2019