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

Derived 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

Both the Poseidon and the Burevestnik are second-strike, retaliatory weapons, Mr Galeotti added - and not even the most rabid Kremlin propagandists are suggesting anyone is preparing to launch strikes on Russia.

From BBC • Oct. 31, 2025

“He is determined to operationalize his nuclear arsenal and is developing a credible second-strike capability.”

From Washington Times • Apr. 19, 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

With the sea-based second-strike deterrent in place, those programs suggest Beijing eventually intends to field a triad of air, sea and land-based nuclear weapons like the United States and Russia.

From Reuters • May 2, 2019

The invention of delivery technologies—such as secure second-strike capabilities, intercontinental ballistic missiles, and nuclear payloads with multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicles—guaranteed the credibility of the threat.

From Slate • Mar. 15, 2016