despond

Definition

To give up the will, courage, or spirit; to become dejected, lose heart.

Etymology

From Latin dēspondeō (“give up, abandon”), from dē (“from”) + spondeō (“promise”).

Example Sentences

• "Yet still despond not, but proceed Along the path where fate may lead."
• "October 16, 1820, Thomas Scott, letter to the Rev. G. Knight, Harwell I should despair, or at least despond."
• "Others depress their own minds, [and] despond at the first difficulty."