answerable or accountable, as for something within one's power, control, or management (often followed by to or for): He is responsible to the president for his decisions.
involving accountability or responsibility, as in having the power to control or manage: promoted to a responsible position in the firm.
chargeable with being the author, cause, or occasion of something (usually followed by for): Termites were responsible for the damage.
having a capacity for moral decisions and therefore accountable; capable of rational thought or action: The defendant is not responsible for his actions.
able to discharge obligations or pay debts.
reliable or dependable, as in meeting debts, conducting business dealings, etc.
(of a government, member of a government, government agency, or the like) answerable to or serving at the discretion of an elected legislature or the electorate.
Origin of responsible
1590–1600; < Latinrespōns(us) (see response) + -ible
1590s, "answerable" (to another, for something), from obsolete French responsible (13c., Modern French responsable, as if from Latin *responsabilis), from Latin respons-, past participle stem of respondere "to respond" (see respond). Meaning "accountable for one's actions" is attested from 1640s; that of "reliable, trustworthy" is from 1690s. Retains the sense of "obligation" in the Latin root word. Related: Responsibly.
