defensible

adjective

de·​fen·​si·​ble di-ˈfen(t)-sə-bəl 

: capable of being defended

defensible theories

a defensible hill

defensibility

di-ˌfen(t)-sə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

ˌdē-

noun

defensibly

di-ˈfen(t)-sə-blē 

adverb

Synonyms

• defendable
• tenable

Examples of defensible in a Sentence

Both candidates hold defensible positions on the issue.

Under those circumstances, her actions were completely defensible.

Slavery is not morally defensible.

The city has a defensible location.

Recent Examples on the Web

Every property with 100 feet of defensible space slows the spread of a wildfire. —Eric MacK, Forbes, 11 Jan. 2025

The Los Angeles fires that have damaged more than 12,000 structures are a reminder of a new but growing reality for Americans living in hotter, drier and more fire-prone areas – the need to create defensible space and fire-harden their homes. —Elizabeth Weise, USA TODAY, 11 Jan. 2025

Residents should create defensible space around their homes, especially in mountain areas, by clearing brush and branches from around their houses. —Summer Lin, Los Angeles Times, 9 Jan. 2025

Acquiring Durant at almost any price is defensible, but the Beal trade is rapidly looking like one of the worst moves in recent NBA annals. —John Hollinger, The Athletic, 6 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English defensable, defensible "ready to fight, easily defended," borrowed from Anglo-French, borrowed from Late Latin dēfensābilis "able to be defended," from Latin dēfensāre "to act in defense" (frequentative of dēfendere "to defend") + -bilis "capable (of acting) or worthy of (being acted upon)" — more at -able

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above