1. A community or inhabited area without military fortifications, protective structures, or armed defense capabilities
The defenseless settlement was vulnerable to raids from neighboring territories.
O assentamento indefeso era vulnerável a incursões dos territórios vizinhos.
2. A civilian population center lacking means of protection or defense mechanisms
During wartime, defenseless settlements often suffered the most casualties.
Durante a guerra, os assentamentos indefesos frequentemente sofriam mais baixas.