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

Newsom’s preemptive strike signals the return of the hostile relationship between Democratic-controlled California and the Trump administration.

From Los Angeles Times

Newsom’s preemptive strike signals the return of the hostile relationship between Democratic-controlled California and the Trump administration.

From Los Angeles Times

Newsom’s preemptive strike signals the return of the hostile relationship between Democratic-controlled California and the Trump administration.

From Los Angeles Times

Newsom’s preemptive strike signals the return of the hostile relationship between Democratic-controlled California and the Trump administration.

From Los Angeles Times

Newsom’s preemptive strike signals the return of the hostile relationship between Democratic-controlled California and the Trump administration.

From Los Angeles Times