desperate

(noun) a person who is frightened and in need of help. Example: "They prey on the hopes of the desperate."

(adj) arising from or marked by despair or loss of hope. Synonyms: despairing. Examples: "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."

(adj) desperately determined. Synonyms: do-or-die(prenominal). Examples: "Do-or-die revolutionaries." "A do-or-die conflict."

(adj) (of persons) dangerously reckless or violent as from urgency or despair. Examples: "A desperate criminal." "Taken hostage of desperate men."

(adj) showing extreme courage; especially of actions courageously undertaken in desperation as a last resort. Synonyms: heroic. Examples: "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."

(adj) showing extreme urgency or intensity especially because of great need or desire. Examples: "Felt a desperate urge to confess." "A desperate need for recognition."

(adj) fraught with extreme danger; nearly hopeless. Synonyms: dire. Examples: "A desperate illness." "On all fronts the allies were in a desperate situation due to lack of materiel"- g.c.marshall." "A dire emergency."