A Nuke, not to be confused with WinNuking, is an old attack against computer networks. A nuke attack consists in sending fragmented or otherwise invalid ICMP packets to the target, achieved by using a modified Ping utility to repeatedly send this corrupt data, thus slowing down the affected computer until it comes to a complete stop. In online gaming, nuking is used by spamming another user, or all other users, with random repeated messages in quick succession. Such techniques are also seen in instant messaging programs as repeatedly sending text can be assigned to a macro or AppleScript. Modern operating systems are usually resistant to these techniques, and online games now have third party Flood control .
Another definition of a Nuke is the one used in the warez scene. A warez release is nuked by other groups or individuals if it is found that it s not installing or working as expected or has false information. The warez group that made the release may nuke it if a proper release (a release that works as expected) is made.