despair

de-spair · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    The complete loss or absence of hope.

  2. 2.

    A cause of hopelessness.

  3. 3.

    To lose all hope; to be overcome with a sense of hopelessness.

Related words

Antonyms: confidence, hope, optimism
See also: desperate, desperation, hope
Synonyms: anguish, desperation, despondency, hopelessness, misery

Etymology

From Old French despeir, from desperer meaning "to be without hope," from Latin desperare, from de- meaning "down, away" and sperare meaning "to hope."