desperation
UK: ˌdɛspəˈreɪʃən | US: ˌdɛspəˈreɪʃən
n. a state of hopelessness or extreme urgency, often leading to reckless behavior
n. the act of despairing or losing all hope
desperation = desper<hopeless> (from Latin desperare) + ation<noun suffix>
- desper<hopeless>: Derived from Latin desperare ("to despair"), combining de- (completely) + sperare ("to hope"). The root reflects a complete absence of hope.
- ation<noun suffix>: A suffix forming nouns indicating a state or action (e.g., "creation," "education").
Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to Latin desperatio, embodying the idea of abandoning hope (de- intensifying the negation of sperare). Over time, it evolved into Middle English via Old French, retaining its core sense of utter hopelessness. The suffix -ation systematized it into a noun describing the state or act of despair.
In desperation, he sold his car to pay the rent.
Her voice trembled with desperation as she pleaded for help.
The refugees fled their country in sheer desperation.
Acts of desperation often lead to poor decisions.
The team played with desperation in the final minutes of the game.