Spanish word

desesperación

Pronunciation

IPA/desespeɾaˈθjon/

Meaning

  • feminine noundespair

Example

Tras el accidente, estuvo sumido en desesperación durante semanas.

After the accident, he was plunged into despair for weeks.

Illustration for desesperación (despair)

More examples

Al ver la deuda, tuvo un ataque de desesperación.

On seeing the debt, he had an attack of despair.

Core concept

A person collapsed and motionless under a dark, empty sky.

Common phrases

  • un ataque de desesperación

    an attack of despair

  • sentir desesperación

    feel despair

  • luchar contra la desesperación

    battle despair

Similar words

desesperanza: Complete loss of hope about the future, with no expectation of change.
ansiedad: Persistent restlessness and worry that keeps the mind tense and unsettled.
angustia: Intense mental pain and tightness in the chest, a crushing anxious distress.
pánico: Sudden overwhelming fear that causes loss of control and urgent need to flee.

Definition in Spanish

Sentimiento intenso de desesperanza que puede paralizar o empujar a actos impulsivos.

Word origin

The Spanish noun derives from Latin desperare (de- 'without' + sperare 'to hope') via the verb desesperar and the noun-forming suffix -ción.

Usage tips

  • In colloquial speech 'me desespera' often means 'it frustrates or exasperates me' rather than literal, overwhelming despair.

Other meanings

  • desperationnoun

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word