defenseless
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defenseless
Without the ability or means to defend oneself against an attack, a danger, or a strong influence; exposed without protection.
Die frisch geschlüpften Küken waren dem Angriff der Katze wehrlos ausgesetzt.
The newly hatched chicks were defenseless against the cat's attack.
The adjective is made up of 'die Wehr' (defense) and the ending '-los', which means 'without'. 'Wehrlos' (defenseless) therefore literally means 'without defense'.
Ohne seine Waffen fühlte sich der Soldat völlig wehrlos.
Without his weapons, the soldier felt completely defenseless.
'Wehrlos' (defenseless) is often used in the fixed expression 'jemandem/etwas wehrlos ausgeliefert sein' (to be defenselessly at the mercy of someone/something). The threat is in the dative. Alternatively, you can use 'gegen + accusative' (against + accusative).
Die Bevölkerung war der Willkür des Diktators wehrlos ausgeliefert.
The population was defenselessly at the mercy of the dictator's arbitrariness.
The adjective often describes people or living beings in a vulnerable situation. Common subjects are 'Opfer' (victims), 'Kinder' (children), or 'Tiere' (animals). A typical verb is 'sich wehrlos fühlen' (to feel defenseless).
Das kleine Tier stand dem Raubvogel wehrlos gegenüber.
The small animal stood defenseless before the bird of prey.
helpless
'hilflos' and 'wehrlos' both describe that someone can do little in a difficult situation. 'hilflos' is more general: someone needs help, does not know what to do, or cannot help themselves. 'wehrlos' is more specific and fits when someone cannot defend themselves against an attack, pressure, or a danger. Learners may confuse the words because a defenseless person often also seems helpless. When the focus is on a lack of help or not knowing what to do, you are more likely to say 'hilflos'. When it is about defense against something threatening, you say 'wehrlos'.
Gegen die starken Angreifer war das kleine Tier völlig wehrlos.
The small animal was completely defenseless against the strong attackers.
Die alte Frau wirkte hilflos, als der Fahrkartenautomat nicht funktionierte.
The old woman looked helpless when the ticket machine did not work.