1 definition by Nitewing '98

mutually assured destruction

A concept that arose out of the Cold War between the US and USSR. The idea was that both sides had enough fire power and the technology to monitor and deliver it that if either side made a move, the end result would be the destruction of both sides. Sometimes shortened to MAD (which is what it was).

Mutually assured destruction was the equivalent of a Mexican Standoff.

by Nitewing '98 September 2, 2003