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

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

Invest in Fire-Resistant Landscaping: If your property is at risk for wildfires, consider fire-resistant landscaping—using plants with high moisture content and creating defensible space around your home. —Monica Sanders, Forbes, 23 Oct. 2024

However, other legal scholars and academics argue the attacks were entirely defensible under international law. —Willem Marx, NPR, 20 Sep. 2024

In this area, be sure to give sheds and propane tanks their own defensible space, just like around the house, and prune all low branches to 6 feet. —Bryce Young Christopher Moran, WIRED, 20 July 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