de|spair´er

de|spair´er
de|spair «dih SPAIR», noun, verb.
–n.
1. the loss of hope; state of being without hope; a dreadful feeling that nothing good can happen: »

Despair seized us as we felt the boat sinking under us.

SYNONYM(S): hopelessness.
2. a person or thing that causes despair: »

Her temper tantrums were the despair of her parents.

–v.i.
to lose hope; be without hope: »

The doctors despaired of saving the sick man's life.

–v.t.
Archaic. to give up hope of.
[< Old French despoir < desperer to despair < Latin dēspērāre < dē- without, out of + spērāre to hope]
de|spair´er, noun.
Synonym Study noun. 1 Despair, desperation mean hopelessness. Despair emphasizes loss of hope and usually suggests sinking into a state of discouragement: »

In his despair over losing his job he fell in with bad companions.

Desperation suggests a recklessness that is caused by despair and is expressed in rash or frantic action as a last resort: »

He had no job and no money, and in desperation robbed a bank.


Useful english dictionary. 2012.

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