\Li"a*ble\ (l[imac]"[.a]*b'l), a. [From F. lier to bind,
L. ligare. Cf. {Ally}, v. t., {Ligature}.]
1. Bound or obliged in law or equity; responsible;
   answerable; as, the surety is liable for the debt of his
   principal.
2. Exposed to a certain contingency or casualty, more or less
   probable; -- with to and an infinitive or noun; as, liable
   to slip; liable to accident.
Syn: Accountable; responsible; answerable; bound; subject;
     obnoxious; exposed.
Usage: {Liable}, {Subject}. Liable refers to a future
       possible or probable happening which may not actually
       occur; as, horses are liable to slip; even the
       sagacious are liable to make mistakes. Subject refers
       to any actual state or condition belonging to the
       nature or circumstances of the person or thing spoken
       of, or to that which often befalls one. One whose
       father was subject to attacks of the gout is himself
       liable to have that disease. Men are constantly
       subject to the law, but liable to suffer by its
       infraction.
             Proudly secure, yet liable to fall. --Milton.
             All human things are subject to decay. --Dryden.