defenceless

• Décrit quelqu'un ou quelque chose qui n'a pas de protection ou de moyens de se défendre, donc vulnérable ou exposé au danger.

Describes someone or something that is without protection or means of defending themselves.

1. Lacking protection or supportB2formal

   Without any means of protection, defense, or support against harm or attack.

   sans défense

   • The defenceless village was vulnerable to the invading army.
   • She felt defenceless against the harsh criticism.
   • The orphaned children were left defenceless in the world.

   Synonymesexposedhelplesspowerlessundefendedunguardedunprotectedvulnerable

   Antonymesarmedguardedprotectedsecureshielded

2. Lacking weapons for self-defenseB2formal

   Without any weapons or ability to physically defend oneself.

   dépourvu de moyens de défense

   • The unarmed civilians were completely defenceless against the armed militia.
   • In the wilderness, a defenceless hiker must rely on wits to survive.
   • The defenceless prisoner could not fight back against his captors.

   Synonymesarmlesshelplesspowerlessunarmedvulnerableweaponless

   Antonymesarmedarmoredguardedprotected