Military Strategy Terms

noun an intense campaign or effort

verb to attack or defeat quickly and decisively

• The military launched a blitz to quickly overwhelm the enemy forces.
• The team went on a blitz to score as many points as possible.
• Let's blitz through this project so we can finish early.
• The company faced a blitz of negative feedback after the product launch.

noun a long, often cylindrical, cushion or pillow for a bed or sofa

verb to support or strengthen

• The company aims to bolster its market share by launching a new advertising campaign.
• I need to bolster my savings before going on vacation.
• I'll need to bolster my squad if we want to win the championship.
• Reading positive affirmations every day can help bolster your self-confidence.

noun a sudden occurrence or outbreak, especially of something unwelcome or unpleasant

verb to suddenly start or become prevalent, to escape or burst out

• The prisoners attempted to break out of their cells.
• Let's break out of this boring party and go have some fun!
• I can't wait to break out my new skateboard at the park.
• The artist's creativity seemed to break out in their latest masterpiece.

verb to cancel or abandon something that has been planned or scheduled

• The company had to call off the meeting due to unforeseen circumstances.
• They had to call off the party because of the bad weather.
• We should totally call off our plans and just chill at home instead.
• After realizing the mistake, she decided to call off the relationship before it went any further.

noun a change in direction or path

verb to alter the direction or path of something

• In order to avoid the storm, the captain decided to change course.
• We should probably change course if we want to make it to the party on time.
• Let's switch things up and change course for a bit of excitement.
• Sometimes in life, we need to change course in order to find our true path.

adjective not influenced by emotions; impartial or objective

• The artist's detached demeanor allowed him to focus solely on his work.
• She seemed a bit detached during the meeting, like her mind was elsewhere.
• I can't believe he just detached from the conversation like that.
• The detached house stood alone on top of the hill, isolated from the rest of the town.

noun A person's job or task that is considered unpleasant, unethical, or morally questionable.

• The cleaning crew was tasked with the dirty work of sanitizing the laboratory.
• I don't mind getting my hands dirty doing the dirty work around the house.
• I'm not afraid to roll up my sleeves and do the dirty work when necessary.
• Sometimes being a leader means having to do the dirty work that no one else wants to do.

noun the act of scattering or spreading widely

verb to scatter or spread widely

• The police used tear gas to disperse the crowd of protesters.
• The security guards dispersed the rowdy teenagers hanging around the mall.
• The party got busted and everyone had to disperse before the cops showed up.
• The rumors about the CEO's resignation quickly dispersed throughout the office.

verb to prepare or create a plan, document, or list by writing it out

adverb in a way that is upward or towards a higher point

preposition used to indicate movement or direction towards a higher point

• The lawyer will draw up a contract for the business agreement.
• Can you help me draw up a shopping list for the party?
• Let's draw up a plan to sneak into the concert.
• She will draw up her courage and confront the bully.

verb to surround or cover completely

• The flames quickly engulfed the entire building, causing extensive damage.
• The waves engulfed the surfer, sending him tumbling underwater.
• The gossip quickly engulfed the entire school, spreading like wildfire.
• Her overwhelming emotions seemed to engulf her, making it difficult to think clearly.

noun the act of avoiding something or escaping from something through deceit or cleverness

• The suspect was charged with tax evasion for failing to report income.
• He's always finding ways to dodge taxes, it's like he's a pro at evasion.
• She's a master at dodging responsibilities, always finding a way to pull off an evasion.
• His constant evasion of the truth eventually caught up with him.

noun the quality of being convenient and practical despite possibly being improper or immoral

• The decision was made based on expediency rather than long-term planning.
• We chose the fastest option for expediency's sake.
• Let's just go with the quick and dirty solution for expediency.
• Sometimes sacrificing expediency for thoroughness can lead to better outcomes in the long run.

noun A secure or firm grasp or grip

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• The company's fasthold on the market was undeniable, with their innovative products setting them apart from competitors.
• She has a fasthold on the latest gossip in town, always knowing the juiciest details before anyone else.
• He's got a fasthold on the best skateboarding tricks in the neighborhood, no one can beat him at the skate park.
• The writer had a fasthold on the audience's emotions, as they were captivated by the story until the very end.

verb to gradually get closer to someone or something in a race, competition, or pursuit

• The company's new marketing strategy allowed them to gain upon their competitors in market share.
• I think we can gain upon the other team if we work together and stay focused.
• We're really gaining upon them in the race, let's keep pushing!
• As she studied harder, she could feel herself gaining upon her goals and aspirations.

noun A bird of prey with sharp talons and excellent eyesight, known for its hunting ability

verb To hunt or catch as a hawk does

• The hawk soared gracefully through the clear blue sky, scanning the ground for prey.
• I saw a hawk swooping down to catch a mouse in the field yesterday.
• That guy is such a hawk when it comes to finding good deals at the store.
• She has the eyes of a hawk, always noticing the smallest details.

verb to deprive of strength or ability; disable

• The new security system is designed to incapacitate any intruders attempting to break in.
• I twisted my ankle and it totally incapacitated me from playing in the basketball game.
• The knockout punch completely incapacitated his opponent in the boxing match.
• The overwhelming stress of the situation seemed to incapacitate her ability to think clearly.

noun a damaging or serious encroachment

• The company made significant inroads into the international market.
• She's been making inroads in her new job and impressing her boss.
• I heard they're trying to make inroads into the music scene with their new album.
• The new policy is making inroads in improving employee morale.

verb to start or begin something energetically or enthusiastically

• The company plans to launch into a new market next quarter.
• I'm thinking about launching into a new hobby this weekend.
• Let's launch into this project and get it done quickly.
• After a brief introduction, the speaker decided to launch into the main topic of discussion.

noun a sudden pause or decrease in intensity

verb to come to a sudden stop or decrease in intensity

• The letup in the rain allowed for the outdoor event to continue as planned.
• Once the letup in traffic happened, we were able to make up some time on our road trip.
• I can't believe the letup in drama at work, it's been so peaceful lately.
• The letup in her laughter was a sign that something was bothering her.

noun a weapon that is self-propelled or directed by remote control, carrying conventional or nuclear explosive

adjective relating to or characteristic of a missile

• The military successfully intercepted the enemy missile before it reached its target.
• Did you see that missile launch during the parade? It was so cool!
• That new video game is a total missile fest - you have to try it!
• Her sharp words felt like verbal missiles aimed directly at his ego.

noun A particular way or method of doing something, especially one that is characteristic or well-established

• The detective analyzed the criminal's modus operandi to predict their next move.
• I can't figure out the thief's modus operandi, it's so confusing.
• The hacker's modus operandi is to always exploit weak passwords.
• Her modus operandi for success is to always stay focused and determined.

noun an act of changing physical location or position

verb to go in a specified direction or manner

• The company is planning to make a strategic move into the international market.
• I think it's time to move on from this job and find something better.
• Let's make a move and head to the party before it gets too crowded.
• Sometimes in life, you have to make a move even when you're not sure of the outcome.

noun A center or core that controls or coordinates a system or activity, often used metaphorically to refer to a central location or headquarters

• The nerve center of the company is located in the main office building.
• The nerve center for all the action is the break room.
• The nerve center of the party was definitely the dance floor.
• The brain can be considered the nerve center of the body.

noun a person who is fleeing or evading something, typically the law

preposition used to indicate movement or action in relation to a particular location or situation

• The fugitive was caught after months spent on the run.
• He's been on the run since he skipped bail.
• The thieves are on the run from the cops.
• She felt like she was always on the run, never able to relax.

noun a part of a baseball or cricket field beyond the infield and between the foul lines

adjective relating to or situated in the outfield

• The outfielder made a spectacular catch during the game.
• I love playing in the outfield during our softball games.
• That outfielder has some serious skills, man.
• She always stays in the outfield, never getting involved in the drama.

noun a conference between opposing sides in a dispute, especially a discussion of terms for an armistice.

verb to hold a conference or discussion, especially with an enemy

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• The two diplomats met to parley and negotiate a peace agreement.
• Let's parley with the boss to see if we can get a raise.
• I heard they're going to parley about the new project during lunch.
• Sometimes it's necessary to parley with your inner demons to find peace.

noun the purchase of goods or shares by one person or party before the opportunity is offered to others

• The doctrine of preemption allows a federal law to take precedence over state laws.
• Preemption means the federal government can override state laws.
• Preemption is like the boss telling everyone else what to do.
• In the game of chess, preemption is like anticipating your opponent's move and countering it effectively.

adjective greater in importance, quantity, or power

• The preponderant evidence presented in the court led to a unanimous decision by the jury.
• Her preponderant talent in music made her a standout among her peers.
• That team has a preponderant advantage over their rivals in the upcoming match.
• The preponderant weight of responsibility on his shoulders was evident in his tired eyes.

verb to defend or guard from attack, harm, or danger

• It is the government's duty to protect its citizens from external threats.
• Make sure to protect your skin from the sun by wearing sunscreen.
• I'll have your back and protect you from any drama.
• She built walls around her heart to protect herself from getting hurt.

noun a complex or hazardous situation that is difficult to escape

• The country found itself in a political quagmire due to the ongoing corruption scandal.
• I'm stuck in a quagmire of paperwork at the office.
• Trying to fix my car turned into a real quagmire.
• Her relationship had become a quagmire of lies and deceit.

noun a mass meeting of people making a political protest or showing support for a cause

verb to come together for a common purpose or cause; to recover or rebound after a setback

• The political party organized a rally to garner support for their candidate.
• Let's go to the rally this weekend, it's going to be so much fun!
• I heard the rally last night was lit!
• The team's captain gave a motivational speech to rally the players before the game.

verb to strengthen or support with added materials or structures

adjective strengthened or supported with added materials or structures

• The concrete structure was reinforced with steel bars to increase its strength.
• I reinforced the importance of punctuality to my team during the meeting.
• I totally reinforced my buddy's decision to ask out his crush.
• Her confidence was reinforced by the supportive comments from her friends.

adjective describing an action or behavior that is done in response to a perceived injury or offense

• The country implemented retaliatory tariffs in response to the trade dispute.
• She gave him a retaliatory look after he made a snide comment.
• He threw a retaliatory punch after being pushed in the schoolyard.
• Her words were like a retaliatory strike, hitting back at his criticism with force.

noun a unsteady movement or gait

verb to walk or move unsteadily

adjective having an unsteady or unbalanced appearance

• The hiker began to stagger as he made his way up the steep mountain trail.
• After too many drinks, he started to stagger around the party.
• I saw him stagger out of the bar last night, totally wasted.
• The company's profits began to stagger after the economic downturn.

noun a person's posture or position, especially when standing

adjective not moving or making any progress

• During the ceremony, it is important to stand still and remain quiet.
• Hey, can you please stand still for a second so I can take a picture?
• Yo, don't move! Just stand still and let me do my thing.
• In times of chaos, it's important to stand still and find your inner peace.

noun a grip or control that is so tight it chokes or suffocates

verb to grip or control tightly to the point of choking or suffocating

• The company had a stranglehold on the market, controlling over 80% of the industry.
• The big tech giants have a stranglehold on the social media platforms.
• The mob boss had a stranglehold on the neighborhood, making sure everyone paid their dues.
• Her anxiety had a stranglehold on her, making it hard to focus on anything else.

noun a large number of insects or other small organisms, especially when in motion

verb to move somewhere in large numbers

• A swarm of bees descended upon the garden, causing quite a commotion.
• There was a huge swarm of people waiting outside the store for the new release.
• The party was lit, there was a swarm of people dancing and having a good time.
• Negative thoughts began to swarm her mind, making it hard to focus on anything else.

noun a plan or strategy for achieving a particular goal

adjective relating to or constituting actions carefully planned to gain a specific end

• The marketing team implemented a new tactic to increase customer engagement.
• She always has a tactic up her sleeve to get what she wants.
• His tactic of ghosting people when he doesn't want to talk is so rude.
• Using humor as a tactic to diffuse tense situations can be very effective.

noun a stretch of land, especially with regard to its physical features

• The expedition team faced challenging terrain as they hiked through the mountains.
• We had to drive carefully because the terrain was really rough.
• This new off-road vehicle can handle any type of terrain you throw at it.
• Navigating the political terrain in the office can be tricky.

noun a vertical structure typically dividing or enclosing an area

verb to enclose or surround with a wall

• The architect decided to include a glass wall in the design to allow natural light to flow into the space.
• I'm thinking about putting up a new photo wall in my bedroom.
• Let's paint a mural on that blank wall in the alley.
• She built an emotional wall in order to protect herself from getting hurt.

verb to remove or take away something, especially money from a bank account

• The customer decided to withdraw their funds from the bank.
• I'm going to withdraw some cash from the ATM later.
• I need to withdraw some dough for the concert tickets.
• He chose to withdraw his support from the political candidate.

noun Another noun, 'critical', which can also refer to a crucial or decisive point or situation.

adjective A word that describes or modifies a noun. 'Critical' is an adjective in this context, indicating that the mission is of utmost importance or essential.

• The success of the project relies heavily on completing the mission critical tasks on time.
• We can't afford to mess up the mission critical parts of this operation.
• Don't drop the ball on the mission critical stuff, okay?
• In order to reach our goals, we must focus on the mission critical aspects of our plan.

noun the action or practice of presenting oneself in a way that is intended to impress or mislead others

verb to behave in a way that is intended to impress or mislead others

• The politician's posturing on the issue did not align with his previous statements.
• Stop posturing and just tell me what you really think.
• She's always posturing to impress others.
• The company's posturing in the market was seen as a sign of strength.

noun a person or animal that is bleeding excessively

verb to lose blood from a wound or injury

• The doctor tried to stop the patient from bleeding out after the accident.
• I saw a guy bleeding out on the street last night, it was so scary.
• If you don't put pressure on that wound, you're gonna bleed out!
• Her emotions were so intense that she felt like she was going to bleed out.

noun a word used to identify any of a class of people, places, or things

adjective a word used to describe or modify a noun

• The judge believed that the criminal needed a short sharp shock to deter them from committing more crimes.
• I think a short sharp shock is what it will take for him to finally get his act together.
• That kid needs a short sharp shock to set him straight.
• Sometimes life gives you a short sharp shock to wake you up and make you realize what's important.

noun a type of warfare that involves the use of information and communication technology to achieve strategic or political objectives

• The government is investing in strategies to combat foreign information warfare.
• People need to be aware of the dangers of information warfare online.
• Don't fall for the fake news, it's all part of the information warfare going on.
• In the age of social media, information warfare is like a battlefield of ideas and opinions.

verb to arm with or convert into nuclear weapons

• The government decided to nuclearize their military capabilities in response to increasing threats.
• They're planning to nuclearize their arsenal to show they mean business.
• They're gonna nuke up their weapons to scare off their enemies.
• The intense argument seemed to nuclearize, escalating into a full-blown confrontation.

noun a room in which military or political strategy is planned and coordinated during a war

• The military leaders gathered in the war room to discuss the next course of action.
• Let's meet in the war room to go over the details.
• The team huddled up in the war room to strategize.
• The boardroom became a war room as the executives debated over the company's future.

noun a sharp turn made by a vehicle in the shape of the letter U

verb to make a U-turn

• The driver made a U-turn to head back in the opposite direction.
• I missed the turn so I had to do a quick U-turn.
• I pulled a U-ey to get back on track.
• She made a U-turn in her career path after discovering her true passion.

noun Fortress mentality is a term used to describe a defensive or closed-off mindset or attitude, often characterized by a focus on protection and isolation.

• The company's leadership was criticized for fostering a fortress mentality that hindered collaboration with other departments.
• The team's fortress mentality made it difficult for new members to feel welcome.
• Their fortress mentality was so strong, they wouldn't let anyone new join their group.
• Living with a fortress mentality only serves to isolate oneself from potential opportunities and growth.