Assailable: meaning, definitions and examples
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assailable
[əˈseɪləb(ə)l ]
Definition
vulnerable
able to be attacked or criticized
Synonyms
attackable, criticizable, vulnerable.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| assailable |
Use this word when referring to someone or something that can be attacked or criticized, often in a strategic or physical sense. It suggests that there are clear weaknesses that can be exploited.
|
| vulnerable |
This word should be used when describing someone or something that is open to being harmed or adversely affected, both physically and emotionally. It often evokes a sense of sympathy or concern.
|
| attackable |
This word is best used when talking about a person, place, or thing that can be attacked, mostly in a physical or military context.
|
| criticizable |
This term is used when referring to actions, behaviors, or ideas that can be criticized. It often carries a negative connotation, implying that there is something wrong or flawed.
|
Examples of usage
- Her argument was assailable and easily refuted.
- The fortress was considered assailable due to its weak defenses.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word comes from the Old French term 'assailir', which means to attack or assail.
- It entered the English language in the 14th century, primarily used in the context of physical attacks or battles.
- The prefix 'as-' relates to the idea of direction, suggesting moving towards something, while '-able' denotes capability.
Literature
- In classic literature, characters often face assailable positions, representing their inner vulnerabilities and moral dilemmas.
- The concept of being assailable is frequently explored in poetry, where the fragility of human emotions is highlighted.
- Famous works like Shakespeare's tragedies depict characters whose decisions leave them assailable to fate and external forces.
Philosophy
- In philosophical debates, ideas are considered assailable when they can be effectively challenged or questioned.
- The notion of 'assailable truths' highlights that even widely accepted concepts may have weaknesses that can be exposed.
- Philosophers encourage rigor in arguments to minimize assailable positions, promoting stronger reasoning.
Politics
- Politicians often find themselves in assailable positions when they make controversial statements that can be easily attacked by opponents.
- Public policies can become assailable if they lack community support, making them targets for criticism during debates.
- Media coverage can shift the perception of a political figure from strong to assailable with the right narrative.
Cybersecurity
- In the digital world, systems with unpatched vulnerabilities are considered assailable, inviting hackers to exploit weaknesses.
- Awareness of assailable systems is crucial for organizations to maintain cybersecurity and protect sensitive data.
- Cybersecurity strategies often aim to fortify defenses to make networks less assailable against potential breaches.
Translations
Translations of the word "assailable" in other languages:
🇵🇹 vulnerável
🇮🇳 कमज़ोर
🇩🇪 verwundbar
🇮🇩 rentan
🇺🇦 вразливий
🇵🇱 podatny
🇯🇵 脆弱な
🇫🇷 vulnérable
🇪🇸 vulnerable
🇹🇷 savunmasız
🇰🇷 취약한
🇸🇦 عُرضة للخطر
🇨🇿 zranitelný
🇸🇰 zraniteľný
🇨🇳 脆弱的
🇸🇮 ranljiv
🇮🇸 viðkvæmur
🇰🇿 осал
🇬🇪 მოსუსტებული
🇦🇿 həssas
🇲🇽 vulnerable