Despair

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /dɪˈspeÉ™(ɹ)/
• US IPA: /dɪˈspɛər/

Origin

From Anglo-Norman despeir, from Old French desperer.

Full definition of despair

Verb

1. (transitive, obsolete) To give up as beyond hope or expectation; to despair of.
• MiltonI would not despair the greatest design that could be attempted.
2. (transitive, obsolete) To cause to despair.
3. (intransitive, often with “of”) To be hopeless; to have no hope; to give up all hope or expectation.
• Bible, 2 Corinthians i. 8We despaired even of life.

Noun

1. Loss of hope; utter hopelessness; complete despondency.He turned around in despair, aware that he was not going to survive
2. That which is despaired of.

Synonyms

• desperation
• despondency
• hopelessness

Anagrams

• aspired
• diapers
• praised