də̇ˈfen(t)səbəl, dēˈ- adjective
Etymology: Middle English, alteration (influenced by Late Latin defensibilis, from Latin defensus — past participle of defendere to defend — + -ibilis -ible) of defensable, from Old French, from Late Latin defensabilis, from defensare to defend + -abilis -able — more at defend , defense
1. : capable of being defended
a defensible city
: excusable
his action was defensible under those circumstances
2. obsolete : capable of offering defense
• de·fen·si·bly -blē, -li adverb