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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Residents can use the Office of the State Fire Marshal’s Ready for Wildfire web page to learn how to prepare for fire season; create and maintain defensible space and home hardening strategies; develop evacuation plans and plans for returning home after a wildfire. Darrell Smith, Sacramento Bee, 11 Mar. 2025 The home risk assessment being offered to residents investigates a property’s defensible space and ember resistance zone. Tyler Faurot, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Mar. 2025 Homeowners in those zones, meanwhile, must maintain defensible space and conduct annual brush clearance. Ari Plachta, Sacramento Bee, 28 Feb. 2025 The 100 feet of defensible space doesn’t mean every plant will be yanked out. Erika I. Ritchie, Orange County Register, 27 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for defensible

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

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Cite this Entry

“Defensible.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/defensible. Accessed 16 Mar. 2025.

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