- first strike
- ,first `strike noun countan attack with nuclear weapons that is intended to destroy an enemy's nuclear weapons
Usage of the words and phrases in modern English. 2013.
Usage of the words and phrases in modern English. 2013.
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 — 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