indefensibility
|in-de-fen-si-bil-i-ty|
/ˌɪndɪfɛn.səˈbɪlɪti/
cannot be defended
Etymology
'indefensibility' is formed from the negative prefix 'in-' (from Latin) + 'defensibility' (from Late Latin 'defendere' / Old French 'defendre'), with the noun-forming suffix '-ity' (from Latin '-itas'). 'Defendere' in Latin consisted of 'de-' meaning 'away/off' and 'fendere' meaning 'to strike' or 'to ward off'.
'defendere' (Latin) gave rise to Old French 'defendre' and Late Latin/Medieval Latin forms related to 'defensus'; Middle English developed words like 'defensible' and 'defensibility', and the English negative form 'indefensible' and the derived noun 'indefensibility' were formed subsequently.
Originally related to the Latin action 'to ward off/strike away' ('defendere'), the sense shifted over time to describe the capability of being defended or justified; with the prefix 'in-' it came to mean 'not capable of being defended' in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the state or quality of being unable to be defended, justified, or excused (especially in argument, criticism, or law).
The indefensibility of the proposal became clear once all the facts were revealed.
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Noun 2
inability to be protected or defended from attack or harm (physical or strategic context).
The fortress's indefensibility was exposed after the new siege tactics were used.
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Last updated: 2025/12/30 01:05