mope

[ mohp ]

verb (used without object)

, moped, mop·ing.

1. to be sunk in dejection or listless apathy; sulk; brood.

verb (used with object)

, moped, mop·ing.

1. to make dejected, listless, or apathetic.

noun

1. a person who mopes or is given to moping.
2. mopes, depressed spirits; blues.

mope

/ məʊp /

verb

1. to be gloomy or apathetic

   there's no time to mope

2. to move or act in an aimless way

   he moped around the flat

noun

1. a gloomy person

Derived Forms

• ˈmoper, noun
• ˈmopy, adjective

Other Words From

• moper noun
• moping·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of mope¹

First recorded in 1560–70; variant of mop ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of mope¹

C16: perhaps from obsolete mope fool and related to mop ²

Example Sentences

Be careful that none of the company are left to mope alone from being unacquainted with other guests.

From Project Gutenberg

Girls are just like cats; they all like to mope around the register or the steam radiator in cold weather.

From Project Gutenberg

He would put the gun back into its case again and mope in his library for days afterward.

From Project Gutenberg

"I'm tired o' doin' nowt but mope i' th' house," Liz fretted.

From Project Gutenberg

She could go out and move about and bestir herself, whereas in Manchester Square she could only sit and mope at home.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• brood
• sulk