Meaning & Definition of word "Despair"
Despair
/dɪˈspɛr/
noun:
- 1. A feeling of despondency.
- Example: He wrote a poem expressing his despair over the current situation.
- 2. The complete loss or absence of hope.
- Example: After the team lost the championship, there was a deep sense of despair among the players.
- 3. A state of hopelessness.
- Example: In her despair, she felt as though nothing would ever improve.
verb:
- 1. To lose or be without hope.
- Example: She began to despair when she couldn't find a solution to the problem.
- 2. To give up all hope.
- Example: It's easy to despair in difficult times, but we must hold onto hope.
Etymology
●Middle English despeir, from Old French desesperer, from Latin desperare.
Common Phrases and Expressions
despair of:
To lose hope in something.
in despair:
In a state of hopelessness.
Related Words
despairing:
Experiencing the loss of hope.
despairingly:
In a manner expressing loss of hope.
despairingness:
The quality of being in a state of despair.
Slang Meanings of despair
Meaning: Feeling completely hopeless.
● Example Sentence: I'm in total despair after that breakup.
Meaning: A major downer.
● Example Sentence: His constant complaining is such a despair.