desperate meaning and definition

DESPERATE noun

Definition of desperate (noun)

1. a person who is frightened and in need of help
   • "they prey on the hopes of the desperate"

DESPERATE adjective

Definition of desperate (adjective)

1. arising from or marked by despair or loss of hope
   • "a despairing view of the world situation"; "the last despairing plea of the condemned criminal"; "a desperate cry for help"; "helpless and desperate--as if at the end of his tether"; "her desperate screams"
   • synonyms: despairing
2. desperately determined
   • "do-or-die revolutionaries"; "a do-or-die conflict"
   • synonyms: do-or-die
3. (of persons) dangerously reckless or violent as from urgency or despair
   • "a desperate criminal"; "taken hostage of desperate men"
4. showing extreme courage; especially of actions courageously undertaken in desperation as a last resort
   • "made a last desperate attempt to reach the climber"; "the desperate gallantry of our naval task forces marked the turning point in the Pacific war"- G.C.Marshall; "they took heroic measures to save his life"
   • synonyms: heroic
5. showing extreme urgency or intensity especially because of great need or desire
   • "felt a desperate urge to confess"; "a desperate need for recognition"
6. fraught with extreme danger; nearly hopeless
   • "a desperate illness"; "on all fronts the Allies were in a desperate situation due to lack of materiel"- G.C.Marshall; "a dire emergency"
   • synonyms: dire