dɪsˈpɛə n. & v. --n.
the complete loss or
absence of
hope. --v.intr. 1 (often foll. by of)
lose or be
without hope (despaired of
ever seeing her again). 2 (foll. by of) lose hope
about (his
life is despaired of). øbe the despair of be the
cause of despair by badness or
unapproachable excellence (he's the despair of
his parents). øødespairingly adv. [ME f. OF desespeir, desperer f. L desperare (as
DE-, sperare hope)]