Distrust: meaning, definitions and examples
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distrust
[ dɪsˈtrʌst ]
in relationships
Distrust refers to a lack of trust or confidence in someone or something. It is the feeling of suspicion or doubt towards the honesty, integrity, or intentions of another person.
Synonyms
doubt, mistrust, skepticism, suspicion.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| distrust |
Generally used when there's a lack of trust due to some past experience or a specific reason.
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| suspicion |
Used when someone believes something might be true, often something unfavorable, based on slight evidence or feelings rather than concrete proof.
|
| mistrust |
Similar to distrust but often suggests a deeper or more ingrained lack of trust. It is also used in contexts where the trust was previously expected but is now questioned.
|
| doubt |
Used when there is uncertainty or lack of conviction about something. It doesn't necessarily imply a negative intent.
|
| skepticism |
Generally implies a questioning attitude or doubt as to the truth of something. Often used in academic or scientific contexts.
|
Examples of usage
- He could sense the distrust in her eyes.
- The distrust between the two countries was palpable.
in actions
To distrust means to regard with suspicion or doubt. It is the act of not trusting someone or something, often due to past experiences or perceived untrustworthiness.
Synonyms
doubt, mistrust, skepticism, suspicion.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| distrust |
Usually refers to a lack of trust in someone's character or actions. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
|
| suspicion |
Often used when someone suspects wrongdoing or deception. It has a strong negative connotation and is common in both casual and serious discussions.
|
| mistrust |
Similar to distrust but often used when talking about a cautious or skeptical attitude. It can be used in both formal and informal situations and carries a negative connotation.
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| doubt |
Commonly used to express uncertainty or a lack of conviction about something. Suitable for both casual and serious conversations.
|
| skepticism |
Refers to a questioning attitude and is often used in academic, intellectual, or scientific settings. It indicates a need for evidence before believing something.
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Examples of usage
- She found it hard to trust him after he had betrayed her before.
- He chose to distrust the information until he could verify it.
Translations
Translations of the word "distrust" in other languages:
🇵🇹 desconfiança
🇮🇳 अविश्वास
🇩🇪 Misstrauen
🇮🇩 ketidakpercayaan
🇺🇦 недовіра
🇵🇱 nieufność
🇯🇵 不信
🇫🇷 méfiance
🇪🇸 desconfianza
🇹🇷 güvensizlik
🇰🇷 불신
🇸🇦 عدم الثقة
🇨🇿 nedůvěra
🇸🇰 nedôvera
🇨🇳 不信任
🇸🇮 nezaupanje
🇮🇸 vantraust
🇰🇿 сенімсіздік
🇬🇪 ურწმუნოება
🇦🇿 etibarsızlıq
🇲🇽 desconfianza
Etymology
The word 'distrust' originated in the late 15th century, combining the prefix 'dis-' meaning 'apart' or 'away' and the word 'trust'. It reflects the human tendency to be cautious and skeptical when it comes to trusting others, especially after experiencing betrayal or deception.
See also: distrustful, entrust, entrusting, mistrust, mistrustful, mistrustfully, trust, trustee, trustful, trustfulness, trustingly, trustworthily, trustworthiness, trustworthy, untrusting, untrustworthily, untrustworthiness, untrustworthy.