undefended
|un-de-fend-ed|
🇺🇸
/ˌʌn.dɪˈfɛn.dɪd/
🇬🇧
/ˌʌn.dɪˈfend.ɪd/
(undefend)
not protected
Etymology
'undefended' originates from English, specifically formed from the prefix 'un-' and the word 'defended', where 'un-' meant 'not' and 'defend' derives from Latin 'defendere' meaning 'to ward off or repel'.
'defendere' (Latin) passed into Old French as 'defendre' and into Middle English as 'defenden/defend'; the negative prefix 'un-' was attached in English to form 'undefended' (modern English formation).
Initially related to the literal sense of 'not warded off' or 'not defended against attack'; over time it became the general adjective meaning 'lacking protection' or 'exposed'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
past participle form of 'undefend'.
The castle was undefended when the raiders arrived.
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Antonyms
Adjective 1
not defended; lacking protection or defense and therefore exposed to attack, criticism, or loss.
The small village was left undefended after the soldiers were recalled.
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Antonyms
Last updated: 2026/01/05 00:47