ˈdespərɪt adj. 1
reckless from despair;
violent and lawless. 2 a extremely
dangerous or
serious (a desperate situation). b staking
all on a
small chance (a desperate remedy). 3
very bad (a desperate
night; desperate poverty). 4 (usu. foll. by for) needing or desiring very
much (desperate
for recognition). øødesperately adv. desperateness n. desperation n. [ME f. L desperatus
past part. of desperare (as
DE-, sperare hope)]