/ ˈlaɪəbl; NAmE / adjective [ not before noun ]
1.
liable (for sth) legally responsible for paying the cost of sth :
You will be liable for any damage caused.
The court ruled he could not be held personally liable for his wife's debts.
2.
liable to do sth likely to do sth :
We're all liable to make mistakes when we're tired.
The bridge is liable to collapse at any moment.
3.
liable to sth likely to be affected by sth
SYN prone :
You are more liable to injury if you exercise infrequently.
4.
liable to sth likely to be punished by law for sth :
Offenders are liable to fines of up to $500.
5.
liable for / to sth | liable to do sth having to do sth by law :
People who earn under a certain amount are not liable to pay tax.
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English : perhaps from Anglo-Norman French , from French lier to bind, from Latin ligare .