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

Bradley made the decision to conduct the second strike.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 16, 2025

The existence of a second strike was later confirmed by the White House.

From BBC • Dec. 4, 2025

Frank Bradley, the mission commander, as the one who approved the second strike, while defending Bradley’s actions and maintaining that the broader operation is consistent with U.S. and international law.

From Salon • Dec. 3, 2025

The defence secretary also suggested several hours may have passed before the second strike was ordered.

From BBC • Dec. 3, 2025

Jim stuck on a fresh dart, attached to another warp and buoy, and was ready for a second strike.

From Jim Spurling, Fisherman or Making Good by Tolman, Albert Walter