distrust

1 of 2

noun

dis·​trust (ˌ)dis-ˈtrəst How to pronounce distrust (audio)
: the lack or absence of trust

distrust

2 of 2

verb

distrusted; distrusting; distrusts

transitive verb

: to have no trust or confidence in

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
King So portrays May Tao, a local journalist with a healthy distrust of the Wausau Police who harbors big secrets of her own. Denise Petski, Deadline, 20 Dec. 2024 Through these experiences, younger generations have developed a distrust toward American institutions, including education, media, medicine, health care and corporate entities as well. Tim Ryan, Newsweek, 18 Dec. 2024
Verb
Schmitt said Patel would bring change to an agency that many Republicans have grown to distrust. Tal Axelrod, ABC News, 15 Dec. 2024 Increasingly, wellness professionals share online space with people who distrust mainstream narratives; both see an opportunity for legitimacy and profit in Kennedy’s ascent, says Stephanie Kelley-Romano, a professor of rhetoric at Bates College who studies conspiracy theories. Keren Landman, Vox, 10 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for distrust 

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1513, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1548, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of distrust was in 1513

Dictionary Entries Near distrust

Cite this Entry

“Distrust.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/distrust. Accessed 26 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

distrust

1 of 2 verb
dis·​trust (ˈ)dis-ˈtrəst How to pronounce distrust (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on distrust

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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