1. to make desperation more intense, severe, or profound; to worsen a state of hopelessness or extreme distress
The economic crisis continued to deepen desperation among unemployed workers.
A crise econômica continuou a aprofundar o desespero entre trabalhadores desempregados.
2. to increase the level of urgency or distress in a situation
Each failed attempt only served to deepen desperation in the rescue team.
Cada tentativa fracassada só servia para aprofundar o desespero da equipe de resgate.