Susceptible Meaning

Susceptible

Definitions and Meaning in English

1. Likely or prone to be influenced or harmed by a particular factor, condition, or influence.
2. Capable of being affected or easily influenced by a specific cause, such as an illness, emotion, or idea.
3. Having a tendency to respond to or be affected by something in a particular way.
4. Sensitive to a certain environment, situation, or stimulus, making one more vulnerable or responsive.

History and Origin

The word “susceptible” comes from the Latin susceptibilis, derived from susceptus (meaning “to take up” or “to receive”), from sub- (under) and capere (to take). The word entered the English language in the 17th century, initially referring to one’s ability to be influenced or affected by external factors. Over time, its usage expanded to describe vulnerability to a variety of conditions, including physical, emotional, and psychological influences.

Detailed Explanation

“Susceptible” refers to the likelihood or capacity of a person, object, or system to be influenced, affected, or harmed by something. It implies vulnerability or sensitivity to external factors. For example, a person who is susceptible to colds may easily catch them due to a weak immune system. In a broader sense, it can describe individuals who are easily swayed by emotions, opinions, or external pressures. The term can also apply to non-living things, such as materials that are susceptible to damage or degradation from certain environmental conditions. Being susceptible often means being more easily impacted by external forces or conditions than others.

Example Sentences

1. Older adults are more susceptible to developing serious complications from the flu.
2. The young child was susceptible to the loud noises in the crowded room.
3. People with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to infections.
4. She was particularly susceptible to criticism, often taking it to heart.
5. Some species of plants are more susceptible to drought than others.
6. He was susceptible to peer pressure and often made poor decisions as a result.
7. The city’s infrastructure was susceptible to damage from the earthquake.
8. Certain medications can make individuals more susceptible to sunburn.
9. The country’s economy was highly susceptible to fluctuations in global markets.

Synonyms with Short Explanation

1. Vulnerable – Easily harmed or affected by external factors, similar to being susceptible.
2. Prone – Likely or inclined to experience something, especially something negative.
3. Sensitive – Easily affected or responsive to stimuli, including emotions, conditions, or environments.
4. Exposed – In a state where one is open to being affected or influenced, often implying vulnerability.
5. Receptive – Open to being influenced or affected by something, often used in a positive context of being willing to listen or accept ideas.

Related Words with Short Explanation

1. Resistance – The ability to withstand or oppose something, often seen as the opposite of being susceptible.
2. Immunity – The ability to resist harmful influences, such as diseases, indicating the opposite of susceptibility.
3. Liability – The state of being responsible or exposed to something negative, similar to being susceptible to risks.
4. Predisposition – A tendency or vulnerability to develop a condition or be influenced by something, related to susceptibility.
5. Fragility – The quality of being delicate or easily damaged, linked to being susceptible to harm.

More Matches with Short Explanation

1. At Risk – A condition where someone or something is vulnerable or susceptible to harm or danger.
2. Sensitive to – Easily influenced or affected by specific conditions or stimuli.
3. Defenseless – Lacking protection or the ability to resist influence, related to susceptibility.
4. Open to – Receptive to being influenced or affected by something, similar to being susceptible.
5. Exposed to – Being in a situation or environment where one is likely to be affected by something, akin to susceptibility.

Antonyms

1. Resistant
2. Immune
3. Invulnerable
4. Protected
5. Shielded