WordWeb Online

1. A state in which all hope is lost or absent
   "in the depths of despair"; "they were rescued from despair at the last minute"
   - desperation
    
2. The feeling that everything is wrong and nothing will turn out well
   "they moaned in despair and dismay"; "one harsh word would send her into the depths of despair"

1. Abandon hope; give up hope; lose heart
   "Don't despair--help is on the way!"

Derived forms: despaired, despairing, despairs

See also: desperate

Type of: condition, feeling, status

Antonym: hope

Encyclopedia: Despair Despair, Inc Despair, The torn heart