first strike

NOUN

tactic in warfare

Synonyms

WEAK

descent on descent upon preemptive nuclear attack preventive strike preventive war surgical strike

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The first strike is set to begin on Tuesday 21April at 11:59 BST, when two Tube lines will close entirely.

From BBC • Apr. 20, 2026

Buck Turgidson, one of the film’s most memorable characters, while agitating the president in the war room for a first strike against the Soviet Union.

From Salon • Mar. 10, 2026

“The first strike was very lethal, it was fine, and if there were two people around,” Trump said before quickly adding, “but Pete said that didn’t happen. I have great confidence in Pete.”

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 1, 2025

It was another outstanding effort from the captain after opting to take first strike.

From Barron's • Oct. 10, 2025

From there, he sent his most trusted general ahead to lead the first strike.

From "Sterling Biographies®: Cleopatra: Egypt's Last and Greatest Queen" by Susan Blackaby