scorched-earth policy

/ərθ ˌpɑləsi/

In war, a scorched-earth policy is defined as leaving nothing behind that an enemy might have use for — even if that means burning it all down.

This brutal military strategy can involve destroying nearly everything in a conquered region. A scorched-earth policy might mean wiping out stores of food, crops in fields, and water sources. During the Gulf War, Iraqi forces applied the policy when they set oil wells on fire as they retreated, so U.S. invaders couldn't seize them. Scorched-earth policy is used in business too, to mean making a company unattractive to potential buyers, in order to avoid a hostile takeover.

Definitions of scorched-earth policy

1. noun

   the military policy of destroying property and resources so that an advancing enemy cannot use them
   type of:

   policy

   a line of argument rationalizing the course of action of a government
2. noun

   the target company defends itself by selling off its crown jewels
   type of:

   porcupine provision, shark repellent

   a measure undertaken by a corporation to discourage unwanted takeover attempts