Defencelessness

Defencelessness is the state of being vulnerable to physical or emotional harm, lacking any means of protection or resistance against attack, injury, or threat. It signifies a complete lack of safeguards, leaving an individual or entity at the mercy of external forces. This vulnerability can stem from a lack of physical resources, emotional fortitude, or political power, rendering one susceptible to exploitation, abuse, or destruction. It represents a precarious situation, highlighting weakness and the need for assistance or intervention. The feeling of defencelessness is often accompanied by fear, anxiety, and a sense of powerlessness.

Defencelessness meaning with examples

• The shipwrecked sailors, stranded on a desert island with no weapons or shelter, experienced a profound defencelessness against the harsh elements and potential predators. They were acutely aware of their vulnerability, making even simple tasks fraught with peril and leaving them constantly on guard. Their survival depended entirely on finding resources.
• In the aftermath of the natural disaster, the affected communities faced a crushing defencelessness. With homes destroyed and essential services unavailable, they were at the mercy of the elements and opportunistic criminals. Food, water and medical supplies were scarce, which increased the desperation of the inhabitants.
• The political prisoner, stripped of all rights and held in isolation, embodied defencelessness against the arbitrary power of their captors. Without legal representation or access to the outside world, they had no recourse against mistreatment or injustice, causing their psychological and physical health to deteriorate.
• The abandoned puppy cowered in the alley, its small body shaking with fear, experiencing the raw defencelessness of a creature completely at the mercy of a dangerous environment. Its survival depended on finding warmth, sustenance, and protection from both the weather and potential predators.