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.

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

Schools have been closed since the strike began Monday, leaving families to scramble for child care and meals as teachers rallied for their first strike since 1979.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 13, 2026

Footage of the first strike has already been released.

From BBC • Dec. 4, 2025

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

From Barron's • Oct. 10, 2025

The MAD principle argued that a first strike against the enemy would almost certainly fail to destroy its entire nuclear arsenal and would lead to an immediate cycle of retaliation.

From "Spies: The Secret Showdown Between America and Russia" by Marc Favreau