Definitions of 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.
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."
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.