Definition of: despair

(di·spâr′) v.i.
To lose or abandon hope; be or become hopeless: with of.
—v.t. Obs. To lose hope or faith in.
—noun
1. Utter hopelessness and discouragement.
2. That which causes despair or which is despaired of. [<OF desperer <L desperare <de- away + sperare hope <spes hope]
—de·spair′ing adjective
—de·spair′ing·ly adverb Synonyms (noun): desperation, despondency, discouragement, hopelessness. Discouragement is the result of so much repulse or failure as wears out courage. Discouragements too frequent and long continued may produce a settled hopelessness. Hopelessness is negative, and may result from simple apathy; despondency and despair are more emphatic and decided. Despondency is an incapacity for the present exercise of hope; despair is the utter abandonment of hope. Despondency relaxes energy and effort and is always attended with sadness or distress; despair may produce a stony calmness, or it may lead to desperation. Desperation is energized despair, vigorous in action, reckless of consequences. Antonyms: anticipation, assurance, cheer, confidence, courage, elation, encouragement, expectancy, expectation, hope, hopefulness, trust.