despond
nounEtymology From Latin dēspondeō (“give up, abandon”), from dē (“from”) + spondeō (“promise”).
1
Archaic Despondency.
- Related terms
- slough of despond
despond
verb/dɪˈspɒnd/ · /ˈdɛspɒnd/
Etymology From Latin dēspondeō (“give up, abandon”), from dē (“from”) + spondeō (“promise”).
1
To give up the will, courage, or spirit; to become dejected, lose heart.
- Yet still despond not, but proceed Along the path where fate may lead.1867, John Conington, Aeneid, translation of original by Virgil, page 176:
- October 16, 1820, Thomas Scott, letter to the Rev. G. Knight, Harwell I should despair, or at least despond.
2 more examples
- Others depress their own minds, [and] despond at the first difficulty.a. 1705, John Locke, “Of the Conduct of the Understanding”, in Posthumous Works of Mr. John Locke: […], London: […] A[wnsham] and J[ohn] Churchill, […], published 1706, →OCLC:
- June 17, 1825, Daniel Webster, Speech on the laying of the Corner Stone of the Bunker Hill Monument We wish that […] desponding patriotism may turn its eyes hitherward, and be assured that foundations of our national power still stand strong.
- Derived terms
- despondence, desponder