Liable

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈlaɪ̯əbÉ™l/, ˈlaɪ̯əbÉ«Ì©, ˈlaɪ̯əbəɫ
• Rhymes: -aɪəbÉ™l

Origin

From Old French lier ("to bind"), from Latin ligare ("to bind, to tie")

Full definition of liable

Adjective

1. Bound or obliged in law or equity; responsible; answerable.The surety is liable for the debt of his principal.
• 1748. David Hume. Enquiries concerning the human understanding and concerning the principles of moral. London: Oxford University Press, 1973. § 34.The passion for philosophy, like that for religion, seems liable to this inconvenience
2. Exposed to a certain contingency or casualty, more or less probable.
3. (as predicate, with "to" and an infinitive) Likely.Someone is liable to slip on your icy sidewalk.

Related terms

• liability
• reliable

Anagrams

• alible
• Biella
• labile