Definition of "despair" in English

verb

1. (transitive, obsolete) To give up as beyond hope or expectation; to despair of.

2. (transitive) To cause to despair.

3. (intransitive) To be hopeless; to have no hope; to give up all hope or expectation. [(often) with of]

noun

1. Loss of hope; utter hopelessness; complete despondency.

   • He turned around in despair, aware that he was not going to survive.
   • My daughter's behavior drives me to despair.

2. That which causes despair.

3. That which is despaired of.