defensive measure
2
4.4
- noun
- /dɪˈfɛnsɪv ˈmɛʒər/
:
medida defensiva
- After the recent incidents, many countries upgraded their defensive measures to enhance national security.
- adopt defensive measures
Examples
-
Defensive measures against threats to such values are always appropriate in communitarian political systems.
Academic text (1991) -
The organization decided to adopt new defensive measures to protect its data from cyber threats.
-
However, domestic political demands for some defensive measures became overwhelming.
Academic text (1993) -
That's when I realized some defensive measure had to be taken.
-
Our Data Section did, but strictly as a defensive measure, in case we needed to take legal action against them for slander and libel.
-
In addition, Israel's defensive measures against all kinds of missiles are near fruition.
Academic text (2013) -
SALT II could help stabilize the arms race, but defensive measures would throw the nuclear standoff between the superpowers out of equilibrium.
Academic text (1991) -
Washington claims that an antimissile defense system will not be directed against Russia and is a defensive measure to assure U.S. national security against new post-Cold War threats.
Academic text (2000) -
When the intruders attacked Lytol, Ker, and Miskin, it seemed advisable to initiate this defensive measure.
Fiction book (1991) -
Governments often implement defensive measures to safeguard against potential military attacks.
Synonyms
460
1.4
Protection from attack, danger, harm, or illness
61
4.0
A way to protect someone or something from harm
44
3.9
Weapons and other equipment used to protect a country or area from attack
40
3.7
Actions and devices that stop people from spying, stealing, or damaging property
33
6.5
Something that prevents or reduces harm
30
4.2
Systems and weapons that protect a place from enemy aircraft or missiles
6
3.6
A government's plan to protect a country from military attacks
1
3.4
An official plan to protect a country using its military
1
4.1
A system that finds and stops attacks on computer networks
Antonyms
How Defensive
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning is directly and transparently derived from combining 'defensive' (serving to defend) with 'measure' (an action or policy), so a B1 learner who knows both words can infer it refers to an action taken to protect against threats. This adjective+noun composition is regular in English and mirrored in many languages, making the phrase immediately comprehensible from its parts.
Etymology
Defensive measure shows a simple image: a measure, or step, that is defensive, like a wall, a shield, or guards put up to stop danger. So it means an action or tool used to 'protect' a country, group, or place.