despair

Definition

To give up as beyond hope or expectation; to despair of.

Etymology

From Middle English dispeir, from Anglo-Norman despeir and Old French desperer (from Latin dēspērō, dēspērāre), or desesperer, from des- (“dis-”) + esperer (“hope”). See also desperate. Displaced native Old English ormōdnes (“despair”) and Old English ortrīewan (“to despair”).

Example Sentences

• "I would not despair the greatest design that could be attempted."
• "I sometimes despair of getting anything quite simple and honest done in this world by the help of men."
• "Thinking of what I was despairing about despaired me further"