Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Easily influenced, affected, or harmed by something: Describes a person, thing, or condition that lacks resistance and is likely to be impacted by a specific external factor, often in a negative way.
   • Capable of accepting or admitting something: Describes something that allows for a particular action, interpretation, or quality to be applied to it.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Young children are particularly susceptible to certain infections.
  • He has a very susceptible nature and is easily swayed by emotional stories.
  • The statement is susceptible of another interpretation. (Meaning it is capable of being interpreted in another way.)

Advanced Usage

• "susceptible to": This is the most common construction, used to indicate what someone or something is vulnerable or sensitive to.

  • The coastal region is susceptible to flooding.
  • She is susceptible to flattery.

• "susceptible of": A more formal construction, used to indicate that something is capable of allowing a particular action, treatment, or interpretation. It often describes abstract concepts like proof, analysis, or measurement.

  • This hypothesis is susceptible of proof. (Meaning it can be proven.)
  • The data is susceptible of various analyses.

Variants and Related Words

• Susceptibility (noun): The state of being susceptible.
  • His susceptibility to peer pressure worried his parents.

Synonyms

• Vulnerable: Open to emotional or physical harm or attack.
• Prone: Having a tendency or inclination towards something, typically something undesirable.
• Receptive: Willing to consider or accept new suggestions and ideas.
• Impressionable: Easily influenced because of a lack of critical ability or experience.

Antonyms

• Resistant: Offering opposition or immunity.
• Immune: Protected or exempt, especially from disease or something unpleasant.
• Insusceptible: Not likely to be affected or influenced.

Adjective

1. easily impressed emotionally
2. (often followed by `of' or `to') yielding readily to or capable of
   • susceptible to colds
   • susceptible of proof