Defenseless Meaning
/dɪˈfɛnsləs/Definition, CEFR level B1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
adjLacking any form of defense; vulnerable; open to attack.
Sentence Examples
The actions she took were too careless, and she was left defenseless.
We'll be totally defenseless.
We despise you for dropping bombs on defenseless people.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
None
CEFR Practice Quiz
The tiny kitten looked so ____ and vulnerable sitting alone in the rain.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The actions she took were too careless, and she was left ____.
Word Origin & History
Etymology tree English defense Proto-Indo-European *lewh₁- Proto-Indo-European *lewHs-der. Proto-Germanic *leusaną Proto-Germanic *lausaz Proto-Germanic *-lausaz Proto-West Germanic *-laus Old English -lēas Middle English -les English -less English defenseless From defense + -less.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"Her look, her attitude, her words were eloquent of the age-old appeal of defenseless woman to her natural protector—man."
— 1913, Edgar Rice Burroughs, The Return of Tarzan, New York: Ballantine Books, published 1963, page 44:
"On the port tack layline , you're defenseless against starboard tackers — you have to dip them , no matter how much you may lose doing it — and the wind shadow of boats spinnakering away from the mark can cost you plenty."
— 1995, Tom Linskey, Race Winning Strategies:
Explore More B1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The tiny kitten looked so ____ and vulnerable sitting alone in the rain.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The actions she took were too careless, and she was left ____.