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Weaponless: meaning, definitions and examples

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weaponless

 

[ˈwɛpənləs ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

being without a weapon

Without a weapon; defenseless; unarmed.

Synonyms

defenseless, unarmed, vulnerable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
weaponless

Use when specifically referring to a situation where someone does not have any weapons.

  • The soldier stood weaponless, his hands raised in surrender
defenseless

Used to describe someone or something that cannot protect themselves from harm. This word often carries a sense of sympathy or pity.

  • The puppy was defenseless against the larger dogs
unarmed

Applied in situations where someone is without weapons, usually in a scenario involving potential conflict or danger.

  • The police officer approached the suspect cautiously, knowing he was unarmed
vulnerable

Describes a person or thing that is exposed to the possibility of being attacked or harmed, either physically or emotionally.

  • Children are especially vulnerable to infectious diseases

Examples of usage

  • He stood before his enemy weaponless.
  • She felt vulnerable and weaponless in the dark alley.
  • Being weaponless, he had to rely on his wits to survive.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term combines 'weapon,' which comes from Old English 'wēपन,' meaning a tool for fighting, with 'less,' meaning without.
  • This construction has been used in English since the late 19th century, reflecting both military and pacifist contexts.

Cultural Context

  • In many cultures, the concept of being weaponless is often associated with peace, non-violence, and diplomacy.
  • Certain philosophies, like those found in Buddhism, advocate for a weaponless approach to conflicts, valuing peace over aggression.

Peace Movements

  • Famous figures like Mahatma Gandhi have promoted weaponless resistance as a means to fight for justice and freedom.
  • The idea of being weaponless has been embraced by many social movements that seek to challenge oppression through peaceful means.

Literature & Arts

  • In literature, weaponless characters often symbolize innocence or the struggle of good against evil without resorting to violence.
  • Artworks depicting weaponless individuals can raise questions about the morality of violence and the power of peaceful actions.

Mental Health

  • Conceptually, being weaponless can also refer to emotional vulnerability, where a person feels unarmed in facing life's challenges.
  • Therapeutic practices often encourage finding strength in being weaponless, embracing feelings rather than reacting with aggression.

Translations

Translations of the word "weaponless" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desarmado

🇮🇳 निर्धारित

🇩🇪 unbewaffnet

🇮🇩 tanpa senjata

🇺🇦 без зброї

🇵🇱 bezbronny

🇯🇵 武器なしの

🇫🇷 sans arme

🇪🇸 desarmado

🇹🇷 silahsız

🇰🇷 무기 없는

🇸🇦 غير مسلح

🇨🇿 neozbrojený

🇸🇰 neozbrojený

🇨🇳 没有武器的

🇸🇮 neoborožen

🇮🇸 vopnlaus

🇰🇿 қарусыз

🇬🇪 უიარაღო

🇦🇿 silahsız

🇲🇽 desarmado

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,600, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.