Adjective
/indefˈenso/
The word "indefenso" describes a state of being without defense or protection, indicating a lack of ability to defend oneself from attack or harm. It is commonly used in both general contexts and legal settings, highlighting vulnerability or lack of protective measures. The frequency of use is moderate; it is more often found in written contexts, such as legal documents, literature, and formal discussions, but it can also appear in oral speech.
La víctima se sintió indefensa ante el ataque.
The victim felt defenseless in the face of the attack.
Los niños indefensos necesitan el apoyo de la comunidad.
Defenseless children need the support of the community.
En situaciones de desastres naturales, muchas personas quedan indefensas.
In natural disaster situations, many people are left helpless.
The term "indefenso" is less common in idiomatic expressions, but it can still be used metaphorically to describe situations or people lacking support or protection.
En esa situación, te sentías como un pez fuera del agua, indefenso ante los desafíos.
In that situation, you felt like a fish out of water, defenseless against the challenges.
A veces, la burocracia deja a los ciudadanos indefensos frente a la ley.
Sometimes, bureaucracy leaves citizens helpless against the law.
Sin ayuda, se sentía como un cordero entre lobos, indefenso.
Without help, he felt like a lamb among wolves, defenseless.
The word "indefenso" comes from the prefix "in-" which denotes negation, combined with the Spanish word "defenso," which is derived from the Latin "defensum," meaning defended or protected. Thus, "indefenso" literally means "not defended."
Synonyms: - Desprotegido (unprotected) - Vulnerable (vulnerable) - Inocente (innocent)
Antonyms: - Defenso (defended) - Protectado (protected) - Resguardado (safeguarded)