Text: 1 lacking protection from danger or resistance against attack<after the storm we found a helpless baby bird that had fallen out of its nest>Synonymsdefenseless, exposed, susceptible, undefended, unguarded, unprotected, unresistant, unshielded, vulnerableRelated Wordsindefensible, untenable; uncovered, unsafe, unsheltered; overcome, preyed (on or upon); disarmed, passive, resistless, unarmed; feeble, frail, weak; abandoned, maroonedPhrasesin the lurchNear Antonymsdefensible; covered, fortified, safe, secure, screened, sheltered; armed, armored; immune, impenetrable, impregnable, invincible, strong, unassailable, unbeatable, unconquerableAntonymsguarded, invulnerable, protected, resistant, shielded 2 unable to act or achieve one's purpose<the baby birds had fallen out of their nest, and their parents were helpless>— see powerless

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