désespèrent

Désespèrent is the third-person plural present indicative form of the French verb désespérer. The verb désespérer translates to "to despair" in English. Therefore, the word désespèrent literally means "they despair" or "they are despairing." It describes a state of losing hope or feeling utterly dejected.

In French literature and common usage, désespèrent conveys a strong sense of hopelessness, profound sadness, or the abandonment of all expectations for a positive outcome. It can be used in various contexts, from personal emotional states to broader societal or political situations. For example, one might say "Les gens désespèrent face à la crise" which means "The people are despairing in the face of the crisis." The term implies a deep emotional distress and a feeling of being trapped without a solution. It is a powerful descriptor of profound negative emotion.