despond
[ dih-spond or, especially for 2, des-pond ]
/ dɪˈspɒnd or, especially for 2, ˈdɛs pɒnd /
Save This Word!
verb (used without object)
to be depressed by loss of hope, confidence, or courage.
noun
QUIZ
WILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS?
Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. Good luck!
Question 1 of 7
Fill in the blank: I can’t figure out _____ gave me this gift.
Origin of despond
1670–80; <Latin dēspondēre to give up, lose heart, promise, equivalent to dē-de- + spondēre to promise
OTHER WORDS FROM despond
de·spond·er, nounde·spond·ing·ly, adverbun·de·spond·ing, adjectiveun·de·spond·ing·ly, adverbDictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022
How to use despond in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for despond
despond
verb (dɪˈspɒnd)
(intr) to lose heart or hope; become disheartened; despair
noun (ˈdɛspɒnd, dɪˈspɒnd)
archaic lack of hope; despondency
Derived forms of despond
despondingly, adverbWord Origin for despond
C17: from Latin dēspondēre to promise, make over to, yield, lose heart, from de- + spondēre to promise
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012