I should despair, or at least despond. --Scott's
Letters.
Others depress their own minds, [and] despond at the
first difficulty. --Locke.
We wish that . . . desponding patriotism may turn its
eyes hitherward, and be assured that the foundations of
our national power still stand strong. --D. Webster.
Usage: Despair implies a total loss of hope, which despond
does not, at least in every case; yet despondency is
often more lasting than despair, or than desperation,
which impels to violent action.