Definition of "defensive measure" [defensive measure]

• (military) military action or resources protecting a country against potential enemies (noun)

WordNet. Princeton University. 2010.

• "As a defensive measure against this German destroyer attack, Jellicoe’s turnaway at Jutland was a complete success: no torpedo hits were scored on British dreadnoughts."
• "As a defensive measure against the threat of Peruvian invasion, García Moreno entered into negotiations with the French envoy with a view to securing the protection of France, a political mistake of which his enemies knew how to avail themselves to the utmost."