slough of despond

noun phrase

slough of de·spond ˌslau̇-əv-di-ˈspänd

ˌslü-

Synonyms of slough of despond next

: a state of extreme depression

Examples of slough of despond in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Pickett survived but fell into a slough of despond and vengefulness. —

Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 12 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

from the Slough of Despond, deep bog into which Christian falls on the way from the City of Destruction and from which Help saves him in the allegory Pilgrim's Progress (1678) by John Bunyan

First Known Use

1776, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of slough of despond was in 1776

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Slough of despond.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/slough%20of%20despond. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

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