FIRST STRIKE Definition & Meaning

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first strike

noun

the initial use of nuclear weapons in a conflict, in which the attacker tries to destroy the adversary's strategic nuclear forces.

first-strike

adjective

(of a nuclear missile) intended for use in an opening attack calculated to destroy the enemy's nuclear weapons

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51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of first strike¹

First recorded in 1960–65

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

He said a third staff member who worked as a maintenance technician was targeted and killed as he rushed to the scene of the first strike.

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It is the first strike in more than 50 years for Guardian News & Media, which publishes both papers.

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It has seen attacks on its peripheries in recent weeks, but this was the first strike on the settlement itself.

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Reports in Israeli media citing local officials suggest Israel plans to first strike Iran’s oil facilities.

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It was reportedly the first strike on a Fatah member since the start of the Gaza war, which has led to escalating cross-border hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah.

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