armed response

armed response (plural armed responses)

1. (politics) A response to a political issue that involves military action or the use of weapons. [from 20th c.]
   • 2001 October 9, The Guardian:

     Advice in international crises where the UK contemplates an armed response comes from the foreign office legal adviser - a senior civil service lawyer - the attorney general and the solicitor general.

2. A response made by an armed police officer, team etc. to a particular emergency situation. [from 20th c.]
   • 2013 April 1, Daily Telegraph:

     Officers have installed a panic alarm in his home that triggers an armed response.