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defensible Definition

de·fen·sible (dē fen′sə bəl, di-)

adjective

that can be defended, protected, or justified

Etymology: ME & OFr defensable < L defensabilis < defensare, intens. < defendere: see defend

Related Forms:

defensible Synonyms

defensible

modif.

justifiable, proper, permissible, tenable; see excusable, fit 1, 2, logical 1.

defensible Usage Examples

Preposition: on

  • ground: This method of organizing is perfectly defensible on democratic grounds.

Modifies a noun

  • boundary: Further, Crystal Palace Parade is a natural and defensible boundary for Metropolitan Open Land, which should be retained.
  • space: The move back to terraced houses with small gardens restores defensible space.
  • position: The hall isn't in a very defensible position.
  • decision: Remember defensible decisions are those where: All reasonable steps have been taken.
  • reason: Actuaries would be expected to follow a recommended practice unless there were sound and defensible reasons for not doing so.
  • site: River valleys have always provided natural transport routes and attract settlements, often on more defensible sites on higher ground nearby.

Used with adjective complement

  • become: Our space suddenly became defensible, criminals flourished as opportunities became more lucrative and the laws changed in favor of civil liberties.

Modifying Another Word

  • ethically: For example what is the ethically defensible social role of the University in such a scenario?
  • morally: In 1787, the topic for this essay contest was the question of whether the slave trade was morally defensible.
  • legally: A legally defensible system therefore needs to be created which delivers high quality people from all of the diverse communities within the UK.
  • entirely: This, it seems to me, is entirely defensible.
  • easily: The road forms a distinct and easily defensible edge to the village.
  • not: The requirement of a specific " shocking " event results in the drawing of fine distinctions which are simply not defensible.

Preposition: in

  • term: For example, some policies may be defensible in terms of reducing anxiety rather than reducing risk.
  • light: Successful medium- and long-range missile tests by Pakistan and Iran last month were defensible in light of US actions.

Preposition: under

  • law: Not defensible under community law The commission averred the French position was not defensible under community law.