first strike

noun

: a preemptive nuclear attack

first-strike

ˈfərs(t)-ˈstrīk 

adjective

Examples of first strike in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

All such theories, however, have appeared to be unreliable and speculative since any first strikes would have to contend with the risk of an enemy launch on warning as well as sufficient systems surviving for a devastating riposte. —Lawrence D. Freedman, Foreign Affairs, 14 Apr. 2025

That’s why even just the Trump administration’s first strike against its targets—a mass curtailment of science-research funding—could end up being felt by students right away. —Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 30 Mar. 2025

Preliminary reports indicate the first strike wounded two Syrian military personnel. —Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025

Experts said the deep holes apparent in the images may indicate preparations for the construction of hardened bunkers to house China's military leadership in the event of a war—and possibly a nuclear first strike. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 6 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1956, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for first strike

• alike
• belike
• birdlike
• catlike
• childlike
• christlike
• deathlike
• dislike
• dreamlike
• friedreich
• godlike
• hairlike