WordNet
n. desperate actions taken as a means to an end; "he had to resort to desperate measures"
Usage examples of "desperate measure".
Adams with a view to have this desperate measure prevented by his negative.
Although rumors of negotiations between France and the colonies had tormented the cabinet for months, it was not until Lord North learned that a treaty of some sort had actually been signed in Paris that in a last desperate measure to prevent its ratification by Congress, he belatedly asked Parliament, on February 17, to repeal both the tax on tea and the Coercive Acts, and to authorize the dispatch of new peace commissioners to negotiate an end to hostilities.
Here a body of men, selected for the purpose, took an oath dictated to them by the priests, to carry out the desperate measure which had been decided upon.
Pitt wondered vaguely what his friends would say to him for running out on them even though it was a desperate measure to save their lives.