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

President Donald Trump posted what appeared to be footage of the first strike on 2 September, on his Truth Social platform.

From BBC • Dec. 4, 2025

“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

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