Main Entry:

des·per·ate

Pronunciation:

\ˈdes-p(ə-)rət, -pərt\

Function:

adjective

Etymology:

Latin desperatus, past participle of desperare

Date:

15th century

1 a: having lost hope <a desperate spirit crying for relief> b: giving no ground for hope <the outlook was desperate>2 a: moved by despair <victims made desperate by abuse> b: involving or employing extreme measures in an attempt to escape defeat or frustration <made a desperate leap for the rope>3: suffering extreme need or anxiety <desperate for money>4: involving extreme danger or possible disaster <a desperate situation>5: of extreme intensity6: shocking, outrageous

synonyms see despondent

— des·per·ate·ness noun