despair

 
Pronunciation: /dɪˈspɛː/

noun

[mass noun]
  • the complete loss or absence of hope: a voice full of self-hatred and despair in despair, I hit the bottle

verb

[no object]
  • lose or be without hope: we should not despair she despaired of finding a good restaurant nearby

Phrases

be the despair of

cause to lose hope: such students can be the despair of conscientious teachers

Origin:

Middle English: the noun via Anglo-Norman French from Old French desespeir; the verb from Old French desperer, from Latin desperare, from de- 'down from' + sperare 'to hope'

Spelling help

Remember that the beginning of despair is spelled des-.