Helpless
/ˈhɛl.pləs/noun
Unable to help oneself; lacking strength or power.
Did you know?The concept of helplessness has been tied to ancient beliefs in fate and divine intervention, suggesting that those who feel helpless are at the mercy of unseen forces.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*kel-
“to be strong, to be able.”
Old English
Old English
helpan
“to help, to assist.”
Middle English
Middle English
helpen
“to give aid, to support.”
14th Century
Middle English
helpless
“lacking the ability to help oneself or others.”
Modern English
English
helpless
“characterized by a lack of power or means to act.”