vulnerable
Meaning
able to be easily physically, emotionally, or mentally hurt, influenced, or attacked.
(of a place or thing) open to attack or damage.
Structure
Usage
the virus exploits a vulnerable point in the computer's security system.
she felt very vulnerable after the sudden loss of her job.
coastal cities are increasingly vulnerable to the effects of climate change.
Etymology
The word vulnerable entered English in the early 17th century from Late Latin vulnerabilis, which itself derives from the Latin verb vulnerare meaning "to wound". The root vulnus- (wound) can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European base wel- meaning "to tear, to wound". The suffix -abilis is a productive Latin adjectival ending indicating capacity or susceptibility. Thus, the literal construction "capable of being wounded" evolved from a purely physical sense to encompass broader meanings of being open to emotional harm, criticism, or attack.
Analysis
vulner originates from latin vulnus (a wound). able originates from latin -abilis, a suffix forming adjectives meaning "capable of, fit for, tending to".