好词典

desperation

UK //ˌdɛspəˈreɪʃ(ə)n//US //ˌdɛspəˈreɪʃ(ə)n//

词源

源自拉丁语 'desperatio',由 'de-'(完全)和 'sperare'(希望)组成,字面意思是'失去希望'。

noun

❶ 绝望,指因极度困难或危险而感到无助和焦虑的状态,常导致不顾一切的行为。

“In desperation, he called his ex-wife for help.”

(绝望中,他打电话向前妻求助。)

“The refugees fled their country in desperation.”

(难民们在绝望中逃离了自己的国家。)

同义词:despair, hopelessness, anguish

常见短语

in desperation — 出于绝望,形容在无计可施的情况下采取的行动。

“He sold his car in desperation to pay the bills.”

(他出于绝望卖掉了汽车来支付账单。)

cry of desperation — 绝望的呼喊,指在极端困境中发出的求助或痛苦的声音。

“Her letter was a cry of desperation.”

(她的信是一声绝望的呼喊。)