Definition of vulnerable

< vuln

vulnerary >

vul·ner·a·ble    (vlnr--bl) KEY 

ADJECTIVE:

1. 1. Susceptible to physical or emotional injury.
   2. Susceptible to attack: "We are vulnerable both by water and land, without either fleet or army" (Alexander Hamilton).
   3. Open to censure or criticism; assailable.
2. 1. Liable to succumb, as to persuasion or temptation.
   2. Games In a position to receive greater penalties or bonuses in a hand of bridge. In a rubber, used of the pair of players who score 100 points toward game.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Late Latin vulnerbilis, wounding, from Latin vulnerre, to wound, from vulnus, vulner-, wound; see wel- in Indo-European roots

OTHER FORMS:
vulner·a·bili·ty or vulner·a·ble·ness(Noun), vulner·a·bly(Adverb)