browse words by letter
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
i
j
k
l
m
n
o
p
q
r
s
t
u
v
w
x
y
z
more about desponding
desponding |
1 definition found From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: Despond \De*spond"\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Desponded}; p. pr & vb n. {Desponding}.] [L. despond[=e]re, desponsum to promise away promise in marriage, give up to lose (courage); de- + spond[=e]re to promise solemnly. See {Sponsor}.] To give up the will courage, or spirit; to be thoroughly disheartened; to lose all courage; to become dispirited or depressed; to take an unhopeful view. I should despair, or at least despond. --Scott's Letters. Others depress their own minds, [and] despond at the first difficulty. --Locke. We wish that . . . desponding patriotism may turn its eyes hitherward, and be assured that the foundations of our national power still stand strong. --D. Webster. Syn: {Despond}, {Dispair}. Usage: Despair implies a total loss of hope, which despond does not at least in every case; yet despondency is often more lasting than despair, or than desperation, which impels to violent action
more about desponding
This work is licensed under a
