1. to be considered accountable or answerable for something; to be required to explain or justify one's actions regarding something
The company will be held responsible for the environmental damage caused by the spill.
A empresa será responsabilizada pelos danos ambientais causados pelo vazamento.
2. to face consequences or punishment for an action or decision
He should be held responsible for his negligence.
Ele deveria ser responsabilizado por sua negligência.