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Definition of defenseless

defenseless

/dɪˈfɛnsləs/
(UK: defenceless)
de · fense · less
Adverb:defenselessly
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defenseless Lexical Profile

defenseless Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

American Without defense or protection; completely vulnerable to physical harm, attack, or exploitation.

Example

"Newly hatched sea turtles are almost completely defenseless as they make their way across the open beach toward the ocean."

2

American Lacking any valid argument, justification, or means of refutation against criticism or accusation.

Example

"Faced with the newly uncovered financial records, the company found itself defenseless against the allegations of fraud."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for defenseless

• Nearby Words

defendant
defender
defense
defenseless
defenselessly
defenselessness
defenseman

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the 16th century from the noun defense (from Old French defense, ultimately from Latin defendere, meaning 'to ward off') combined with the Old English privative suffix -less.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Defenseless. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/defenseless
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