Dictionary

defensive measure

(usually plural) steps taken by a potential target company to avoid being taken over by another company, or to allow the target company to negotiate a better deal The company asked for advice on the implementation of defensive measures to avoid a change in control.
military action or resources intended to protect a country against potential enemies Pyongyang has stated its nuclear weapons programme is purely a defensive measure to protect it against a US attack.
action taken to protect an individual or group against a threat Dr Sandford claimed the company later began to "...resort to defensive measures that attempted to discredit my name."

Other

  • definition 1 (colloquial) shark repellant
  • definition 1 (colloquial) porcupine provision

Phrase Bank

  • A majority must be obtained to approve a proposed defensive measure against the takeover threat.
  • It was described as a defensive measure against acts of violence against the state.
  • The defensive measure was reasonable in relation to the threat posed.