massive retaliation

noun

1. a strategy of military counterattack that involves the use of nuclear weapons.

massive retaliation

1. The doctrine that the best way to deter aggression is to threaten a potential aggressor with devastation by atomic bombs (see also atomic bomb ). See hawks and doves .)

Word History and Origins

Origin of massive retaliation¹

An Americanism dating back to 1950–55

Example Sentences

After Iran’s massive retaliation for the Israeli strike against Iran’s diplomatic compound in Damascus, it now falls to President Joe Biden to prevent subsequent rounds of escalation from blinding the entire Middle East, or even the world.

From Seattle Times

The 7 October attacks triggered Israel's massive retaliation on Hamas in Gaza - air strikes and shelling that have killed more than 26,000 Palestinians, according to the territory's Hamas-run health ministry.

From BBC

The group is said to be wary about triggering a massive retaliation inside Lebanon, one that would be harshly criticized by the country’s other political factions.

From Washington Times

Hamas presumably knew its terrorist onslaught would provoke massive retaliation.

From Los Angeles Times

Since Hamas’ bloody attack on Israel sparked a massive retaliation in Gaza, Egypt’s leadership has frantically tried to negotiate the entry of humanitarian aid through its crossing into the Palestinian territory — partially in hopes of averting an exodus into Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula.

From Seattle Times