The term 'susceptible' most nearly means?

The term 'susceptible' refers to being likely to be influenced or harmed by a particular thing. In this context, the word most nearly aligns with 'vulnerable,' which specifically indicates a state of being open to injury, damage, or attack. When someone is described as susceptible, it implies that they can easily be affected by outside forces, just like someone who is vulnerable, whether that be to disease, influence, or other dangers.

In contrast, the other options convey opposing or different meanings: 'protected' suggests a state of being shielded from harm, 'resistant' implies an ability to withstand or repel influences or attacks, and 'independent' indicates a lack of dependence on others or outside influences. Therefore, 'vulnerable' stands out as the term that most closely shares the fundamental essence of being susceptible.