defensible

[ dih-fen-suh-buhl ]
/ dɪˈfɛn sə bəl /

adjective

capable of being defended against assault or injury: The troops were bivouacked in a defensible position.
that can be defended in argument; justifiable.

Origin of defensible

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

SYNONYMS FOR defensible

OTHER WORDS FROM defensible

Example sentences from the Web for defensibility

  • The defensibility of the site as well as the fertility of the soil pointed it out as the best place for the seat of government.

  • But its defensibility was practically all the crag fort had to offer by way of attraction.

    Rung Ho! |Talbot Mundy
  • In ordinary villages the flat-roofed shielings are huddled together without plan or defensibility.

    The Cradle of Mankind |W.A. Wigram
  • Mr. Tallmadge's desire not to be interrupted in the act might have enlightened him as to its defensibility; but he was no casuist.

    The Open Question |Elizabeth Robins

British Dictionary definitions for defensibility

defensible
/ (dɪˈfɛnsɪbəl) /

adjective

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

Derived forms of defensible

defensibility or defensibleness, noun defensibly, adverb