English Dictionary

Definition of “susceptible

susceptible (səˈsɛptəbəllPronunciation for susceptible

Definitions

adjective

  1. (postpositive; foll by of or to) yielding readily (to); capable (of)  ⇒ hypotheses susceptible of refutation susceptible to control 
  2. (postpositive)  foll by to liable to be afflicted (by)  ⇒ susceptible to colds 
  3. easily impressed emotionally

Alternative Forms

susˈceptibleness noun susˈceptibly adverb

Word Origin

C17: from Late Latin susceptibilis,  from Latin suscipere  to take up, from sub- + capere to take

Usage examples

  • She was a precociously pragmatic child, but an imagination such as hers must surely be susceptible.
    Hilton, John Buxton, The Innocents at Home (A Superintendent Kenworthy novel) (1986)
  • He says that people with CNS disorders like stroke or spinal injury are already more susceptible to infection.
    New Scientist (2003)
  • Anyway Fianna Fáil would have been more susceptible to pressures from the business quarter than she was.
    Irish Times (2002)
  • Even the most fragile items in the sale are said to be in excellent condition, Some items were not susceptible to decay.
    Independent (1998)
  • I am frivolous and susceptible to admiration, but I do pride myself on knowing my weaknesses.
    Carr, Philippa, We'll Meet Again (1993)

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