Distrust: meaning, definitions and examples

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distrust

[dɪsˈtrʌst ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

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. After being deceived once, she had a deep distrust of his promises
suspicion	Used when someone believes something might be true, often something unfavorable, based on slight evidence or feelings rather than concrete proof. Her quick departure raised suspicion among her colleagues
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. His repeated lies led her to mistrust everything he said
doubt	Used when there is uncertainty or lack of conviction about something. It doesn't necessarily imply a negative intent. I doubt he'll arrive on time, considering the traffic
skepticism	Generally implies a questioning attitude or doubt as to the truth of something. Often used in academic or scientific contexts. There was noticeable skepticism about the new study's findings among the experts

Examples of usage

He could sense the distrust in her eyes.
The distrust between the two countries was palpable.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

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. There is a lot of distrust between the two companies She distrusts politicians because of past corruption scandals
suspicion	Often used when someone suspects wrongdoing or deception. It has a strong negative connotation and is common in both casual and serious discussions. The police had a suspicion that he was involved in the crime There is a growing suspicion that the data was manipulated
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. There is a general mistrust of the new management He mistrusts strangers because of his upbringing
doubt	Commonly used to express uncertainty or a lack of conviction about something. Suitable for both casual and serious conversations. I doubt he will come to the party There are some doubts about the effectiveness of the new policy
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. Her skepticism about the new drug was well-founded The proposal was met with skepticism by the committee

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from Middle English 'distrusten', which combines 'dis-' meaning 'not' and 'trusten', meaning 'to trust'.
The prefix 'dis-' often denotes a negative or opposite, indicating a lack of trust.
The transition of the word into modern English reflects growing societal concerns about relationships and reliability.

Psychology

Distrust can stem from previous experiences, where betrayal or dishonesty impacts one's ability to trust again.
It is often considered a protective mechanism, helping individuals avoid potential harm or disappointment.
Studies show that high levels of distrust can lead to increased anxiety and difficulty in forming relationships.

Cultural Perspectives

In some cultures, family loyalty is paramount, making that kind of distrust particularly painful.
Distrust can also vary in intensity; in societies with higher levels of corruption, people may view others with more skepticism.
Trust-building exercises are common in team-building activities across various cultures to combat distrust and enhance cooperation.

Literature

Many classic novels explore themes of distrust among characters, illustrating how it leads to conflict and tragedy.
In Shakespeare's works, distrust often drives plots forward, such as in 'Othello' where jealousy stems from deep-seated distrust.
In contemporary literature, narratives often highlight the struggle between trust and distrust in relationships.

Technology

In the digital age, distrust can manifest in skepticism towards online information sources, leading to the spread of misinformation.
Cybersecurity often relies on trust; when distrust is prevalent, users may hesitate to share their information or engage online.
Blockchain technology was created to establish trust in digital transactions, addressing issues caused by long-standing distrust in traditional systems.

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

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,338 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.

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9335 extravagant
9336 assigning
9337 insolvent
9338 distrust
9339 trousers
9340 forbid
9341 shipper
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