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

Footage of the first strike has already been released.

From BBC • Dec. 4, 2025

“We didn’t come out hot, and we let them get the first strike in and we were battling for the rest of that game,” Rams defensive tackle Kobie Turner said.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 8, 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