Definition

1. Noun:
   • A military action or resource intended to protect a country, territory, or force from a potential enemy or attack. This is the primary meaning, focusing on proactive or reactive steps taken for security and protection in a military or strategic context.
   • Any action, plan, or device implemented to guard against a threat, danger, or criticism. In a broader, non-military sense, it can refer to steps taken to protect oneself, one's interests, or one's position in various situations, such as in law, sports, debate, or personal security.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Military/Strategic Context):
  • The country invested heavily in new defensive measures, including an advanced missile shield.
  • Deploying additional troops to the border was a necessary defensive measure.
• Noun (General/Figurative Context):
  • Installing a firewall is a basic defensive measure for computer security.
  • His apology seemed more like a defensive measure to avoid further criticism.

Advanced Usage

• "As a defensive measure": This phrase is commonly used to introduce the purpose of an action.
  • The company diversified its suppliers as a defensive measure against market volatility.
• "Take defensive measures": A standard collocation describing the act of implementing protection.
  • Citizens were advised to take defensive measures ahead of the storm.

Variants and Related Words

• Defense (AE) / Defence (BE) (n): The act or capability of defending.
• Defensive (adj): Intended for or used in defense; showing a tendency to defend.
• Countermeasure (n): An action taken to offset another action or situation, often in security contexts.

Synonyms

• Safeguard: A measure taken to protect someone or something from potential harm.
• Precaution: An action taken in advance to prevent something dangerous or unpleasant.
• Protection: The act of keeping someone or something safe from harm.
• Security measure: An action or device designed to increase safety and prevent danger.

Related Phrases

• Defensive strategy: A plan focused on protection and reaction rather than aggression.
  • The team's defensive strategy was to control the ball and avoid mistakes.
• In self-defense: As a means of defending oneself from physical attack.
  • He claimed he acted in self-defense.

Related Idioms

• A good defense is the best offense: This proverb suggests that being well-prepared to defend yourself can prevent attacks and create opportunities, effectively serving as an offensive strategy.
  • The general believed a good defense was the best offense, so he fortified his positions.
• On the defensive: In a state or position of resisting criticism or attack.
  • The scandal put the entire administration on the defensive.

Noun

1. (military) military action or resources protecting a country against potential enemies
   • they died in the defense of Stalingrad
   • they were developed for the defense program