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.

Until hours before the first strike, Emirati officials undertook intensive diplomatic efforts from Tehran to Washington.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 25, 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

She dodged my first strike and rolled into the brass section, knocking over a row of trombones with a mighty crash.

From "The Battle of the Labyrinth" by Rick Riordan