despond

[ dih-spond des-pond ]

verb (used without object)

1. to be depressed by loss of hope, confidence, or courage.

noun

1. despondency.

despond

verb

1. intr to lose heart or hope; become disheartened; despair

noun

1. archaic.
   lack of hope; despondency

Derived Forms

• deˈspondingly, adverb

Other Words From

• de·sponder noun
• de·sponding·ly adverb
• unde·sponding adjective
• unde·sponding·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of despond¹

1670–80; < Latin dēspondēre to give up, lose heart, promise, equivalent to dē- de- + spondēre to promise

Word History and Origins

Origin of despond¹

C17: from Latin dēspondēre to promise, make over to, yield, lose heart, from de- + spondēre to promise

Example Sentences

A week after the inauguration, his wife, Lady Bird, watched with worry as a “slough of despond” surrounded her husband.

From The Daily Beast

But Mr. Parsons did not despond; he knew that owners of safes generally keep the key upon their persons.

From Project Gutenberg

Because he had sunk into the slough of despond, he would be heedless of the mud that gathered on his garments.

From Project Gutenberg

"It sounds pretty bad," admitted Heavy, coming out of her momentary slough of despond.

From Project Gutenberg

Horses that ought to be having a mash between their ribs make riders despond.

From Project Gutenberg

Through them he lifted himself out of the slough of despond, and he sought to extend a helping hand to others.

From Project Gutenberg