defensible

[ dih-fen-suh-buhl ]

adjective

1. capable of being defended against assault or injury:

   The troops were bivouacked in a defensible position.

2. that can be defended in argument; justifiable.

   Synonyms: warrantable, allowable, tenable, fit, suitable

defensible

/ dɪˈfɛnsɪbəl /

adjective

1. capable of being defended, as in war, an argument, etc

Derived Forms

• deˈfensibly, adverb
• deˌfensiˈbility, noun

Other Words From

• de·fensi·bili·ty de·fensi·ble·ness noun
• de·fensi·bly adverb
• nonde·fensi·bili·ty noun
• nonde·fensi·ble adjective
• nonde·fensi·ble·ness noun
• nonde·fensi·bly adverb
• unde·fensi·ble adjective
• unde·fensi·ble·ness noun
• unde·fensi·bly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of defensible¹

1250–1300; Middle English < Late Latin defēnsibilis, equivalent to Latin defēns ( us ) ( defense ) + -ibilis -ible; replacing Middle English defensable < Old French < Late Latin defēnsābilis, equivalent to defēnsā ( re ) (frequentative of dēfendere to defend ) + -bilis -ble

Example Sentences

Cheney’s position is both defensible and has been defended — but more than 60 of her colleagues voted Wednesday night to strip her of her role.

From Washington Post

Using a challenge on that particular play, which wasn’t close to being overturned, was terrible judgment but defensible strategy.

From Washington Post

A highly functional shot of protein, shelf-stable and cheap, it seemed morally defensible as long as it sported the logos certifying that it was dolphin-safe and sustainably fished.

From Outside Online

Nicole Capretz, executive director of the Climate Action Campaign, said she expects the new board to finally develop a legally defensible Climate Action Plan that meets state goals to reduce carbon emissions.

From Voice of San Diego

So this dual focus has been made clear and is ethically defensible, which helps in garnering the support of citizens – who are, after all, the voters.

From No Straight News

He also believed, as a matter of political prudence, that the commercials had to be defensible on matters of fact.

From The Daily Beast

The change could be defensible, but Justice Stevens does not offer any detailed defense of this change.

From The Daily Beast

What the president has offered may not be ideal, but it is entirely defensible in terms of the real, the possible, and the fair.

From The Daily Beast

This decision was, in many ways, brave (not just in the Sir Humphrey sense) and defensible, but it came at a price.

From The Daily Beast

Both statements are technically defensible (and could conceivably reflect my thinking).

From The Daily Beast

Considering the modes of ancient warfare, Egypt was one of the most defensible countries in the world.

From Project Gutenberg

The result of this movement would of course be to bring the train into a compact mass and render it more defensible.

From Project Gutenberg

On the other hand, the Turks had just as much fear of entering there, for the position was eminently defensible.

From Project Gutenberg

By repairing the rents in the walls, Rome might yet be made defensible.

From Project Gutenberg

He repaired the fortifications of Jaffa and Cæsarea, and assisted the Templars in putting the country into a defensible state.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• logical
• permissible
• plausible
• tenable
• valid