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> When I say "hold accountable" here ... That expression isn't open to interpretation -- it means made to suffer consequences that result from prior actions.

• mikeash 12y ago
  From my Mac's built-in dictionary: "(of a person, organization, or institution) required or expected to justify actions or decisions; responsible" From the Cambridge Dictionary: "Someone who is accountable is completely responsible for what they do and must be able to give a satisfactory reason for it" From Merriam-Webster: "subject to giving an account" Where the relevant definition of "account" is: "a statement explaining one's conduct" I can't find any definition in any dictionary that says it's only about legal consequences. That horse you're on is mighty tall, you may wish to come down with the rest of us.
  • lutusp 12y ago
    > I can't find any definition in any dictionary that says it's only about legal consequences. Only about legal consequences? No one made that claim. But being held accountable is certainly a legal term. http://definitions.uslegal.com/a/accountability/ http://definitions.uslegal.com/a/accountability/ Quote: "Under state laws, a person must reach a certain age before they can be held accountable in both civil and criminal matters." How hard is that, for someone with an open mind? And do you really downvote other people's posts solely because they try to correct your misuses of English? You do see the risk, don't you? That you will remain ignorant forever?
    • mikeash 12y ago
      A lot of words have special legal meanings. That doesn't mean they don't hold other meanings outside of a legal setting. Since I never referred to anything legal, the legal definition does not apply. I'm not downvoting your posts. Stop jumping to conclusions.
      • dang 12y ago
        Please both stop.