despair

UK: dɪˈspeə | US: dɪˈsper

Definition

  1. n. the complete loss or absence of hope

  2. vi. to lose or be without hope

Structure
de <away, down>spair <hope>
Etymology

The word "despair" originates from the Old French desperer, derived from Latin desperare ("to be without hope"). The Latin roots break into de- (indicating reversal or removal) and sperare ("to hope"). Over time, the term evolved in Middle English to encapsulate the profound sense of hopelessness, retaining the core idea of hope (spair) being negated (de-).

Examples

  1. She sank into despair after losing her job.

  2. The team’s repeated failures led to a sense of despair.

  3. He refused to despair, even in the darkest times.

  4. The poem captures the despair of war.

  5. Without support, many patients despair of recovery.