— impotently , adv.
/im"peuh teuhnt/ , adj.
1. not potent; lacking power or ability.
2. utterly unable (to do something).
3. without force or effectiveness.
4. lacking bodily strength or physically helpless.
5. (of a male) unable to attain or sustain a penile erection.
6. (esp. of a male) sterile.
7. Obs. without restraint.
n.
8. an impotent person: therapy for sexual impotents.
[ 1350-1400; ME impotent- (s. of impotens ) without power over oneself or others. See IM- 2 , POTENT 1 ]
Syn. 1, 2. powerless, helpless. 3. ineffectual, ineffective, feeble, weak.