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third-person singular simple present desponds, present participle desponding, simple past and past participle desponded
To give up the will, courage, or spirit; to become dejected, lose heart. quotations examples
Yet still despond not, but proceedAlong the path where fate may lead.
1867, John Conington, Aeneid, translation of original by Virgil, page 176
I should despair, or at least despond.
October 16, 1820, Thomas Scott, letter to the Rev. G. Knight, Harwell
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
We wish that […] desponding patriotism may turn its eyes hitherward, and be assured that foundations of our national power still stand strong.
June 17, 1825, Daniel Webster, Speech on the laying of the Corner Stone of the Bunker Hill Monument
uncountable
(archaic) Despondency.