first strike

noun

|Updated on: 9 Jul 2018

Definition of first strike

: a preemptive nuclear attack

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first-strike

play \ˈfərs(t)-ˈstrīk\ adjective

See first strike defined for English-language learners

Recent Examples of first strike from the Web

Despite that, Wu said China remained firm in its defensive military posture, including a policy of never launching a nuclear first strike against an opponent.

— Fox News, "China says advanced DF-26 missile deployed but," 26 Apr. 2018
The Pentagon says the warheads would deter Russia from using its own similar weapons in a first strike and therefore would make nuclear war less likely.

— michael collins and nicole gaudiano, USA TODAY, "House passes defense bill authorizing pay raise for troops, new jets and President Trump's military parade," 24 May 2018
Monday's thunderous second bombing came after a crowd had already gathered near the scene of the first strike.

— laura king, latimes.com, "Work of slain Afghan journalists provided intimate, wrenching look at country's long conflict," 30 Apr. 2018
During the Cold War, the US and Soviet Union faced a number of situations — most notably the 1962 Cuban missile crisis — where one side had reason to believe the other was preparing for a nuclear first strike.

— zack beauchamp, Vox, "The real reason Trump’s North Korea summit failed," 24 May 2018
Mikolas came back with his first strike of the plate appearance on the next pitch, the lone likely result in the plate appearance.

— michael beller, SI.com, "Miles Mikolas and Adam Duvall Produced the Unlikeliest At-Bat of the 2018 Season," 8 May 2018
Better missile defence could undermine mutually assured destruction, which creates deterrence by guaranteeing that a first strike triggers a devastating response.

— The Economist, "Despite North Korea, arms control is unravelling," 5 May 2018
What first struck me, nearly literally, was the large basket of yellow bags with a sign beckoning visitors to take one.

— erik s. hanley, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "My first IKEA experience: What newbies can expect when the store opens in Oak Creek May 16," 9 May 2018
The first strike week for Kane County probation officers and youth counselors ended with no new negotiation sessions planned, officials said.

— janelle walker, Elgin Courier-News, "Kane County court services employee strike ends with no new planned negotiations after first week," 4 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'first strike.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.