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nounnounnounnounadjective

l’indifeso

helpless

Definition & meaning

Indifeso means defenseless or unprotected: unable to protect oneself, or left without protection. It can describe a person, an animal, a place, or something exposed to attack.

  • Un bambino indifeso — a defenseless child.
  • Un villaggio indifeso — an unprotected village.

Grammar & Word origin

It is an adjective that agrees with the noun it describes:

  • Masculine: indifeso (singular), indifesi (plural)
  • Feminine: indifesa (singular), indifese (plural)

It is formed from the negative prefix in- and difeso , “defended” or “protected.”

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms

  • inerme — unarmed or defenseless; often emphasizes the absence of weapons.
  • vulnerabile — vulnerable; emphasizes being exposed to harm, not necessarily being unable to defend oneself.
  • indifeso can also be close to senza protezione , “without protection,” which emphasizes the absence of protection.

Antonyms

  • protetto — protected or sheltered from harm.
  • difeso — defended, particularly against an attack or threat.

Common phrases & collocations

  • sentirsi indifeso — to feel defenseless.
  • una persona indifesa — a defenseless person.
  • lasciare qualcuno indifeso — to leave someone unprotected.

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Examples

Il piccolo uccello sembra indifeso.adjective

The little bird looks helpless.

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