browse words by letter
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
i
j
k
l
m
n
o
p
q
r
s
t
u
v
w
x
y
z
liable |
2 definitions found From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: Liable \Li"a*ble\ (l[imac]"[.a]*b'l), a. [From F. lier to bind, L. ligare Cf {Ally}, v. t., {Ligature}.] 1. Bound or obliged in law or equity; responsible; answerable; as the surety is liable for the debt of his principal. 2. Exposed to a certain contingency or casualty, more or less probable; -- with to and an infinitive or noun as liable to slip; liable to accident. Syn: Accountable; responsible; answerable; bound; subject; obnoxious; exposed. Usage: {Liable}, {Subject}. Liable refers to a future possible or probable happening which may not actually occur; as horses are liable to slip; even the sagacious are liable to make mistakes. Subject refers to any actual state or condition belonging to the nature or circumstances of the person or thing spoken of or to that which often befalls one One whose father was subject to attacks of the gout is himself liable to have that disease. Men are constantly subject to the law, but liable to suffer by its infraction. Proudly secure, yet liable to fall. --Milton. All human things are subject to decay. --Dryden. From WordNet r 1.6 [wn]: liable adj 1: at risk of or subject to experiencing something usually unpleasant; "he is apt to lose"; "she is liable to forget" [syn: {apt(p)}, {liable(p)}] 2: subject to legal action "liable to criminal charges" [syn: {liable(p)}] 3: (often followed by `to') likely to be affected with "liable to diabetes" [syn: {liable(p)}, {nonimmune}, {nonresistant}, {unresistant}] 4: held legally responsible; "men between the ages of 18 and 35 were liable for military service"
more about liable
This work is licensed under a
