a person who is frightened and in need of help; they prey on the hopes of the desperate'
desperate (n.)
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
[ Syn: despairing ]
desperately determined; do-or-die revolutionaries; a do-or-die conflict
[ Syn: do-or-die ]
(of persons) dangerously reckless or violent as from urgency or despair; a desperate criminal; taken hostage of desperate men'
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
[ Syn: heroic ]
showing extreme urgency or intensity especially because of great need or desire; felt a desperate urge to confess; a desperate need for recognition'
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
[ Syn: dire ]