defensible
UK: dɪˈfɛnsəbl | US: dɪˈfɛnsəbl
adj. capable of being defended or justified
adj. (of a position or theory) able to withstand criticism or attack
The word "defensible" originates from the Latin defendere (to ward off, protect) combined with the suffix -ibilis (capable of). The root "defend" retains its core meaning of protection, while "-ible" (a variant of "-able") indicates capacity or suitability. Over time, the term evolved to describe not just physical defense (e.g., a fortress) but also abstract justification (e.g., arguments). The logical progression reflects a shift from literal protection to metaphorical support.
The castle's location on a hill made it highly defensible.
Her argument was logically defensible despite initial skepticism.
The policy must be morally defensible to gain public approval.
A defensible thesis requires strong evidence and clear reasoning.
The lawyer presented a defensible case for his client's innocence.