desperation

Definition

The act of despairing or becoming desperate; a giving up of hope.

Etymology

From Middle English desperacion, desperacioun, desperation, disparacion, disperacion, disperacioun, dispiracioune, dysperacioun, from Middle French desperation and its etymon Latin dēspērātiō, dēspērātiōnis. By surface analysis, desperate + -ion.

Example Sentences

• "in desperation"
• "utter desperation"
• "The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation. What is called resignation is confirmed desperation."