distrust

1 of 2

noun

dis·​trust (ˌ)dis-ˈtrəst 

: the lack or absence of trust

distrust

2 of 2

verb

distrusted; distrusting; distrusts

transitive verb

: to have no trust or confidence in

Synonyms of distrust

Noun

• doubt
• skepticism
• suspicion
• uncertainty
• mistrust

Verb

• doubt

Examples of distrust in a Sentence

Noun

He has a distrust of doctors.

the psychic's bold claims were greeted with distrust and outright scorn

Verb

She's always distrusted their promises.

we instinctively distrust those phone calls that tell us we have won a free vacation or car

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Yet work demands, caregiving responsibilities, fear, lack of coverage and distrust of the healthcare system can all create barriers for individuals seeking care. —NBC news, 1 Apr. 2026

The 45th president’s victory in the crowded 2016 primary effectively toppled the existing Republican Establishment, injecting the party with a combination of populism and distrust that was especially hostile to the way things were done before. —Alex J. Rouhandeh, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2026

Verb

There’s the angry, distrusting career staff. —Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 30 Mar. 2026

The President is distrusted on the economy and has, per Fox News, a disapproval rating of an astonishing fifty-nine per cent. —Benjamin Wallace-Wells, New Yorker, 29 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

circa 1532, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1548, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing distrust

• self-distrust

Rhymes for distrust

• adjust
• combust
• discussed
• disgust
• entrust
• intrust
• mistrust
• nonplussed
• robust
• sawdust
• stardust
• unjust

Kids Definition

distrust

1 of 2 verb

dis·​trust (ˈ)dis-ˈtrəst 

: to have no trust or confidence in

distrust

2 of 2 noun

: a lack of trust or confidence

distrustful

-fəl

adjective

distrustfully

-fə-lē

adverb

distrustfulness noun