Meaning
-
- Loss of hope; utter hopelessness; complete despondency.
- That which causes despair.
- That which is despaired of.
Synonyms
lose hope
become discouraged
give up hope
give up hope of life
be hopeless
in despair
lose interest
self-abandonment
prostation
dejection of mind
depression of spirits
loss of heart
be disappointed
loss of hope
low spirits
Frequency
Hyphenated as
des‧pair
Pronounced as (IPA)
/dɪˈspɛə(ɹ)/
Etymology
In summary
From Middle English dispeir, from Anglo-Norman despeir and Old French desperer (from Latin dēspērō, dēspērāre), or desesperer, from des- (“dis-”) + esperer (“hope”). See also desperate. Displaced native Old English ormōdnes (“despair”) and Old English ortrīewan (“to despair”).
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Notes