■ noun the complete loss or absence of hope.
■ verb lose or be without hope.
Phrases
be the ~ of be the cause of ~ in (someone else).
Derivatives
~ing adjective
~ingly adverb
Origin
ME: via Anglo-Norman Fr. from OFr. desespeir (n.), desperer (v.), from L. desperare , from de- 'down from' + sperare 'to hope'.