defensible

adjective

de·​fen·​si·​ble di-ˈfen(t)-sə-bəl How to pronounce defensible (audio)
: capable of being defended
defensible theories
a defensible hill
defensibility noun
defensibly adverb

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 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 She’s stocked up on water, cleared vegetation and created a buffer of defensible space around the property. Bloomberg, The Mercury News, 18 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for defensible 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'defensible.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of defensible was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near defensible

Cite this Entry

“Defensible.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/defensible. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

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