Distrusting Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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distrusting

[dษชsหˆtrสŒstษชล‹ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

feelings of skepticism

Distrusting refers to a lack of trust or confidence in someone or something. It indicates a deep-rooted skepticism that may stem from past experiences or the perceived intentions of others.

Synonyms

apprehensive, doubtful, suspicious, wary.

Examples of usage

  • She had a distrusting attitude towards strangers.
  • His distrusting nature made it hard for him to form new friendships.
  • They remained distrusting, despite the assurances provided.
  • Her distrusting glance made him feel uneasy.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Individuals who have experienced betrayal often find it hard to trust others again, which can lead to feeling distrusting.
  • Distrust can affect relationships; if someone is always suspicious, it can create distance between friends or partners.
  • Studies show that people who are more open tend to build trust faster, while those who are more reserved may often feel distrusting.

Sociology

  • Distrusting attitudes can stem from cultural backgrounds, where certain groups may learn to be skeptical based on historical events.
  • Social trust in communities can influence levels of distrust, where neighborhoods with higher crime rates may lead to more individuals feeling suspicious of each other.

Literature

  • In classic literature, characters often embody distrust, like Iago in Shakespeareโ€™s 'Othello', using it to manipulate others.
  • Many modern novels explore themes of distrust, revealing how lack of faith in others can lead to tragedy or conflict.

History

  • Throughout history, wars and betrayals have created an environment of distrust among nations, leading to long-standing conflicts.
  • The Cold War era was marked by significant distrust between the US and the Soviet Union, impacting international relations for decades.

Origin of 'distrusting'

The word 'distrusting' is derived from the prefix 'dis-' meaning 'apart' or 'away from,' combined with 'trust,' which comes from the Old Norse word 'traust,' meaning 'confidence' or 'reliance.' Over time, with the evolution of the English language during the Middle English period, 'trust' became a fundamental concept in human relationships and interactions. The addition of the 'dis-' prefix transformed the word into its negative form, effectively describing the opposite of trust. This term began to emerge in the English lexicon in the late 19th century, reflecting growing concerns regarding personal relationships and societal structures. Today, 'distrusting' is used to characterize a psychological attitude that affects how individuals perceive one another, often as a response to betrayal or disappointment.


Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,010 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.