Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

mutual-assured-destruction

noun

ˈmjuːtʃuəl əˈʃʊrd dɪˈstrʌkʃən

Definition

A military strategy in which full-scale use of nuclear weapons by two or more opposing sides would result in the complete annihilation of both the attacker and the defender.

Examples

During the Cold War, the concept of mutual-assured-destruction was a key element of nuclear strategy.
The doctrine of mutual-assured-destruction aimed to deter nuclear attacks by ensuring total devastation.

Meaning

This term refers to a deterrence strategy used during the Cold War, where both sides possess enough nuclear weaponry to destroy each other, thus preventing either side from initiating a conflict.