mope

[ mohp ]

verb (used without object)

, moped, mop·ing.

1. to be sunk in dejection or listless apathy; sulk; brood.

verb (used with object)

, moped, mop·ing.

1. to make dejected, listless, or apathetic.

noun

1. a person who mopes or is given to moping.
2. mopes, depressed spirits; blues.

mope

/ məʊp /

verb

1. to be gloomy or apathetic

   there's no time to mope

2. to move or act in an aimless way

   he moped around the flat

noun

1. a gloomy person

Derived Forms

• ˈmoper, noun
• ˈmopy, adjective

Other Words From

• moper noun
• moping·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of mope¹

First recorded in 1560–70; variant of mop ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of mope¹

C16: perhaps from obsolete mope fool and related to mop ²

Example Sentences

My Mexican hillbilly family never had time to whine and mope.

From Los Angeles Times

Fortunately, Sennott is entertaining even as a mope.

From New York Times

Despite a review from The Times labeling Costner’s character a “joyless mope,” “The Bodyguard” has grossed nearly $122 million domestically, according to Box Office Mojo, and Houston’s cover of Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always Love You” received numerous awards, including a record of the year Grammy.

From Los Angeles Times

The abandoned train station of Someplace Safe is the perfect place to mope.

From Literature

On its surface level, however, “I Saw the TV Glow” is just about a mope.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• brood
• sulk