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 intensity
6 : shocking, outrageous

synonyms see despondent

— des·per·ate·ness noun