Defenseless — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun adjective /di-ˈfen(t)s/ de·fense

Meaning & Definition of Defenseless

Defenseless (noun)

  1. the act or action of defending
  2. the denial, answer, or plea of one against whom a criminal or civil action is brought, a defendant's denial, answer, or plea
  3. capability of resisting attack

Defenseless (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. lacking protection from danger or resistance against attack

    "the lack of warm clothing left the hikers defenseless against the unexpected cold snap"

    similar: exposed, helpless, susceptible, undefended, unguarded, unprotected, unresistant, vulnerable, in the lurch
    related: indefensible, untenable, uncovered, unsafe, overcome, preyed (on or upon), disarmed, passive, resistless, unarmed, feeble, frail, weak, abandoned, high and dry, marooned
    opposite: guarded, invulnerable, protected, resistant, shielded
    near: defensible, covered, fortified, safe, screened, secure, sheltered, armed, armored, immune, impenetrable, impregnable, invincible, strong, unassailable, unbeatable, unconquerable, almighty, omnipotent

Related Entry: Defense (noun)

Defense is a different word from Defenseless. The synonyms below are for defense, not for defenseless.

  1. means or method of defending

    "thorns are a rose's defense against grazing animals"

    similar: aegis, ammunition, armor, buckler, cover, guard, protection, safeguard, screen, security, shield, wall, ward
    related: arm, armament, munitions, weapon, weaponry, fastness, fort, fortress, palisade, stronghold
    near: aggression, assault, attack, offense, offensive

  2. an explanation that frees one from fault or blame

    "there's absolutely no defense for your actions"

    similar: alibi, apology, excuse, justification, plea, reason
    related: color, guise, pretense, pretext, rationale, rationalization, vindication, whitewash, cop-out, out, acknowledgment, atonement, confession, extenuation, palliation

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Defenseless

The most common words with a similar meaning to Defenseless:

exposed, helpless, susceptible, undefended, unguarded, unprotected, unresistant, vulnerable, in the lurch

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Defenseless

Words with the opposite meaning of Defenseless:

guarded, invulnerable, protected, resistant, shielded

Related Words for Defenseless

indefensible, untenable, uncovered, unsafe, overcome, preyed (on or upon), disarmed, passive, resistless, unarmed, feeble, frail, weak, abandoned, high and dry, marooned

Near Antonyms of Defenseless

defensible, covered, fortified, safe, screened, secure, sheltered, armed, armored, immune, impenetrable, impregnable, invincible, strong, unassailable, unbeatable, unconquerable, almighty, omnipotent

Word Forms of Defenseless

Derived words: defenseless (adjective), defenselessly (adverb), defenselessness (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Defenseless

Middle English defense, defence, borrowed from Anglo-French defens, defense, defence, borrowed from Medieval Latin dēfensa, dēfensum (Late Latin dēfensa "vengeance"), nominal derivatives from feminine and neuter of Latin dēfensus, past participle of dēfendere "to ward off, defend"

First known use: 14th century

Frequently Asked Questions about Defenseless

What does "Defenseless" mean?

"Defenseless" means the act or action of defending. As an a noun and an adjective, it is defined as: the act or action of defending.

What is another word for "Defenseless"?

Other words for "Defenseless" include exposed, helpless, susceptible, undefended, unguarded, unprotected, unresistant and vulnerable. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Defenseless" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Defenseless"?

There are 25 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Defenseless". Common alternatives include exposed, helpless, susceptible, undefended, unguarded, unprotected, unresistant, vulnerable and in the lurch.

What is the opposite of "Defenseless"?

Antonyms of "Defenseless" include guarded, invulnerable, protected, resistant and shielded. Near antonyms include defensible, covered, fortified and safe.

How do you use "Defenseless" in a sentence?

Examples of "Defenseless" in a sentence: "the lack of warm clothing left the hikers defenseless against the unexpected cold snap".

Is "Defenseless" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Defenseless" can be used as a noun and an adjective, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Defenseless"?

"Defenseless" is pronounced /di-ˈfen(t)s/ and divided into syllables as de·fense.

What is the origin of the word "Defenseless"?

"Defenseless" comes from Middle English defense, defence, borrowed from Anglo-French defens, defense, defence, borrowed from Medieval Latin dēfensa, dēfensum (Late Latin dēfensa "vengeance"), nominal derivatives from feminine and neuter of Latin dēfensus, past participle of dēfendere "to ward off, defend". First known use: 14th century.