Main Entry: vul·ner·a·ble

Pronunciation: \ˈvəl-n(ə-)rə-bəl, ˈvəl-nər-bəl\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Late Latin vulnerabilis, from Latin vulnerare to wound, from vulner-, vulnus wound; probably akin to Latin vellere to pluck, Greek oulē wound

Date: 1605

1 : capable of being physically or emotionally wounded
2 : open to attack or damage : assailable <vulnerable to criticism>
3 : liable to increased penalties but entitled to increased bonuses after winning a game in contract bridge

— vul·ner·a·bil·i·ty \ˌvəl-n(ə-)rə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun

— vul·ner·a·ble·ness \ˈvəl-n(ə-)rə-bəl-nəs, ˈvəl-nər-bəl-\ noun

— vul·ner·a·bly \-blē\ adverb