I am translating a book from Romanian to English. There is a word in the former language that denotes a state of confusion in a human being which could be translated as "without compass".
Is there any word in English which denotes the same idea and through which I could retain the same mental image (being "compass-less")?
EDIT: Context (example sentence) added below:
"We cut the tall bushes at every step with our machetes, forging our
path with a thirst for blood. We are boiled up by the anticipation of
the fight and psychically prepared. We aren’t anymore the confused
prey from last night – vulnerable, frightened and __________ ("without compass").
"
It is a philosophical and psychological novel. That extract is from a certain scene that is related to war.
EDIT 2: More context
The scene which is referenced by "last night" is below.
"During the night, I see shadows that ooze through the forest, close enough to us, the ones that are established on the shore. “Enemies!” I yell from the depths of my lungs and all the soldiers jerk with their weapons drawn and start shooting scaredly without even aiming. The lieutenant endeavours to spot any enemy through the dark and, finally, orders us to cease fire. Lacking experience, but with some instruction, his hands and knees tremble. He never participated in a conflict."
Best Answer
Disoriented may be the word you're looking for:
(Dictionary.com)