justifiable

[ juhs-tuh-fahy-uh-buh l, juhs-tuh-fahy- ]
/ ˈdʒʌs təˌfaɪ ə bəl, ˌdʒʌs təˈfaɪ- /

adjective

capable of being justified; that can be shown to be or can be defended as being just, right, or warranted; defensible: justifiable homicide.

Origin of justifiable

From Middle French, dating back to 1515–25; see origin at justify, -able

OTHER WORDS FROM justifiable

Words nearby justifiable

justicia, justiciable, justiciar, justiciary, justicoat, justifiable, justifiable homicide, justification, justification by grace, through faith, justification by works, justificatory

Example sentences from the Web for justifiability

  • She saw by the lifting of his eyebrows that he was impressed, that he secretly admitted the justifiability of her summons to him.

    The Pretty Lady |Arnold E. Bennett

  • Among those who ventured to doubt the justifiability of the proposed marriage was Helene's mother, Princess Kuragina.

    War and Peace |Leo Tolstoy

  • On the justifiability of such a course I do not understand that my opinion is asked.'

    It Never Can Happen Again |William De Morgan

  • The justifiability of this point of view may scarcely be disputed.

    Elements of Folk Psychology |Wilhelm Wundt

British Dictionary definitions for justifiability

justifiable
/ (ˈdʒʌstɪˌfaɪəbəl) /

adjective

capable of being justified; understandable

Derived forms of justifiable

justifiability or justifiableness, noun justifiably, adverb