Reverse Dictionary: POWERLESS

ADJECTIVES
► IMPOTENTIAL powerless, helpless, impotent → 1649 obs.
► IMPUISSANT weak, feeble, impotent, powerless → 1629
► MAINLESS powerless → c1000 obs.
► PARALYTIC deprived or destitute of energy or power of action; powerless, ineffective; characterized by impotency, or powerlessness → 1642
► SINEWLESS lacking vigour; feeble, weak, powerless → 1644

NOUNS
► IMPOTENTNESS impotence, utter inability, powerlessness → 1530 obs.
► IMPUISSANCE impotence, powerlessness, weakness, utter inability → 1483
► IMPUISSANCY lack of power or authority, powerlessness → 1701 obs.
► PALSY any influence which destroys, or seriously impairs activity or sensibility; a condition of utter powerlessness; an irresistible tremor → 1433

NOUNS – PERSON
► FLAT TIRE an impotent man; a worthless, powerless man → E20 sl.
► FUCKED DUCK a person who has become worthless, useless, or powerless; a ‘dead duck’ → 1939 US sl.

PHRASES
► CAN’T SPIN A THREAD powerless to act → 1913 Amer. dial. (Bk.)

VERBS
► HAVE A MAN BY THE BALLS to have rendered a man powerless → 20C US sl.
► HAVE A MAN BY THE SHORT HAIRS to have a man in a compromising situation; to have rendered a man powerless to defend himself → L19 Brit. & US sl.
► PALSY to render powerless, helpless, or inert → 1615