adj.
Pronunciation: ' v ə l-n( ə -)r ə -b ə l, ' v ə l-n ə r-b ə l
Function: adjective
Etymology: Late Latin vulnerabilis, from Latin vulnerare to wound, from vulner-, vulnus wound; probably akin to Latin vellere to pluck, Greek oul ē 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 \ ˌ v ə l-n( ə -)r ə - ' bi-l ə -t ē \ noun
– vul · ner · a · ble · ness \ ' v ə l-n( ə -)r ə -b ə l-n ə s, ' v ə l-n ə r-b ə l- \ noun
– vul · ner · a · bly \ -bl ē \ adverb