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Weaponless Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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weaponless

[หˆwษ›pษ™nlษ™s ]

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.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'weaponless'

Main points about word origin

  • The term combines 'weapon,' which comes from Old English 'wฤ“เคชเคจ,' 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.

The word 'weaponless' dates back to the 16th century and is derived from the combination of 'weapon' and the suffix '-less', meaning 'without'. In a society where weapons were often a symbol of power and protection, being weaponless could signify vulnerability or lack of defense. Over time, the word has come to represent the state of being without a weapon, often used in contexts of warfare, self-defense, or conflict.

See also: bioweapon, weapon, weaponed, weaponry, weapons.

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.