preemptive strike

noun

, Military.

1. an attack against an enemy in response to an obvious threat of attack by that enemy: because preemptive strikes are prompted more by clearly imminent danger than by speculation, they generally are considered acceptable in international law.

preemptive strike

1. A first-strike attack with nuclear weapons carried out to destroy an enemy's capacity to respond. A preemptive strike is based on the assumption that the enemy is planning an imminent attack.

Word History and Origins

Origin of preemptive strike¹

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

“We’re making a preemptive strike against the virus, acting before it’s too late,” said Deputy Prime Minister Leo Varadkar on Monday, when the fresh lockdown was announced.

From Fortune

The Democrats made a preemptive strike, and now the Republicans will exact their revenge.

From The Daily Beast

A historic settlement will grant Netanyahu prestige and widen Israeli leverage for a possible preemptive strike.

From The Daily Beast

A historic settlement would grant Netanyahu prestige and widen Israeli leverage for a possible preemptive strike.

From The Daily Beast

Third, he relied on spotty intelligence and the threat of chemical weapons to justify a preemptive strike.

From The Daily Beast

In July 2011, the seven-time Tour de France winner mounted a preemptive strike against 60 Minutes.

From The Daily Beast