The word "绝望" is formed from the character "绝", meaning to cut off or sever, and "望", meaning to hope or look forward. "绝" originates from the concept of cutting silk, implying a complete cessation, while "望" is historically composed of elements suggesting gazing into the distance, such as at the moon, to convey expectation. Combined, "绝" acts on "望" to indicate that hope is entirely cut off, resulting in the meaning of despair.