Defenseless

/dɪˈfɛns.ləs/

Meaning & Definition

adjective

Not able to protect oneself or not having any means of defense.

The defenseless animal was left alone in the forest without any protection from predators.

Helpless against attack or harm; vulnerable.

She felt defenseless in the face of the overwhelming criticism.

Lacking the ability to resist or defend against an onslaught.

The village remained defenseless during the siege, with no soldiers to fight back.

From the word 'defense' with the suffix '-less' indicating absence.

sitting duck

A person or thing easily targeted or taken advantage of.

easy prey

Someone vulnerable to being taken advantage of.

defense

The action of resisting or protecting against an attack.

vulnerability

The quality of being open to physical or emotional harm.

easy target

He's an easy target for bullies because he's so shy.

soft

Don't be soft; stand up for yourself.