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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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Word History and Origins

Origin of first strike¹

First recorded in 1960–65

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

In the days since the first strike, India and Pakistan accused each other of cross border shelling and claimed to have shot down rival drones and aircraft in their airspace.

From

The first strike action, timetabled for 1 May, was previously suspended after it was agreed the university and unions would hold discussions.

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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.

From

First State first-string

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