What the verb for desperate?

There isn't one single verb that perfectly captures the meaning of "desperate". However, depending on the context, you could use various verbs to convey a similar feeling:

To express a strong need or desire:

* Crave: "She craved a solution to her problems."

* Yearn: "He yearned for a better life."

* Long: "She longed to escape her current situation."

* Plead: "They pleaded for mercy."

* Beg: "He begged her to stay."

* Despair: "They despaired of ever finding a cure."

To express a sense of urgency or desperation:

* Scramble: "They scrambled to find shelter before the storm hit."

* Clutch: "He clutched at the rope for dear life."

* Grasp: "She grasped at any opportunity for escape."

* Panic: "They panicked when they saw the fire."

To express a feeling of hopelessness:

* Give up: "He gave up hope of ever seeing her again."

* Resign oneself to: "She resigned herself to a life of poverty."

* Submit: "They submitted to their fate."

The best verb to use will depend on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.