- first strike
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the initial use of nuclear weapons in a conflict, in which the attacker tries to destroy the adversary's strategic nuclear forces.[1960-65]
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Universalium. 2010.
first strike
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first strike — n. a surprise attack with nuclear weapons, made with the intention of destroying an enemy nation s means of effective retaliation first strike [fʉrst′strīk′] adj … English World dictionary
first strike — n an attack made on your enemy before they attack you, especially an attack made using ↑nuclear weapons … Dictionary of contemporary English
first strike — noun count an attack with nuclear weapons that is intended to destroy an enemy s nuclear weapons … Usage of the words and phrases in modern English
first strike — first′ strike′ n. mil a preemptive use of nuclear weapons in a conflict … From formal English to slang
First strike — In nuclear strategy, a first strike is a preemptive surprise attack employing overwhelming force. First strike capability is a country s ability to defeat another nuclear power by destroying its arsenal to the point where the attacking country… … Wikipedia
first strike — noun the initial use of nuclear weapons to attack a country that also has nuclear weapons; considered feasible only when the attacker can destroy the other country s ability to retaliate the Pakistani president promised no first strike against… … Useful english dictionary
first-strike — adjective see first strike * * * firstˈ strike adjective • • • Main Entry: ↑first * * * first strike «FURST STRYK», adjective, noun. –adj. 1. (of a nuclear weapon or force) designed or intended for use only in an initial attack: »Weapons openly… … Useful english dictionary
first strike — n. 1) to carry out, make a first strike 2) (misc.) a first strike capability * * * [ˌfɜːst straɪk] make a first strike (misc.) a first strike capability to carry out … Combinatory dictionary
first strike — UK / US noun [countable] Word forms first strike : singular first strike plural first strikes an attack with nuclear weapons that is intended to destroy an enemy s nuclear weapons … English dictionary
first strike — unannounced aggression A use referring to an attack before war has been declared; otherwise it would not be euphemistic. A first strike capability is an ability to attack another with nuclear weapons without prior warning. See also… … How not to say what you mean: A dictionary of euphemisms
first strike — noun Date: 1960 a preemptive nuclear attack • first strike adjective … New Collegiate Dictionary
