1. in a manner lacking the ability or means to protect oneself or resist attack
Usage: also spelled 'defenceless' in British English

Examples

• The small animal stood defenselessly in the middle of the road.
• She felt defenselessly exposed when her secrets were revealed.
• The village was left defenselessly open to invasion after the soldiers departed.
• He watched defenselessly as his belongings were taken away.
• The child cried defenselessly, unable to escape the frightening situation.
• They were defenselessly caught in the storm without shelter.