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

Each of the new multibillion-dollar semiconductor fabrication plants being built in the United States, partially at American taxpayers’ expense, may be defensible. —Scott Kennedy, Foreign Affairs, 26 Nov. 2024

Fire experts recommend that homeowners create defensible space, reducing the vegetation, particularly within 30 feet of a house. —Lauren Sommer, NPR, 17 Sep. 2024

Experts must be able to explain the AI’s process and ensure that its findings are reproducible and defensible under scrutiny. —Lars Daniel, Forbes, 2 Nov. 2024

The Saratoga Fire District and County Fire remind us all to clear brush for a defensible space around our homes. —Debby Rice, The Mercury News, 30 Oct. 2024

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