n.
the complete loss or absence of hope.
v.
lose or be without hope.
Phrase
- be the despair of
be the cause of despair in (someone else).
Derivative
- despairing adj.
- despairingly adv.
Etymology
ME: via Anglo-Norman Fr. from OFr. desespeir (n.), desperer (v.), from L. desperare, from de- ‘down from’ + sperare ‘to hope’.
