Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

go-nuclear

idiomatic phrase

/ˈɡoʊ ˈnuklɪr/

Definition

To escalate a situation or conflict to an extreme level, often involving the use of drastic measures.

Examples

In negotiations, he decided to go-nuclear when he felt his demands were being ignored.
After years of silence, the activist group chose to go-nuclear with a bold and controversial campaign.

Meaning

The term ‘go-nuclear’ typically refers to choosing a course of action that is intense or severe, particularly in a contentious situation, and can metaphorically imply taking extreme or irreversible steps.