respect

²re·spect

verb \ri-ˈspekt\

Definition of RESPECT

transitive verb

1

a : to consider worthy of high regard : esteem b : to refrain from interfering with <please respect their privacy>

2

: to have reference to : concern

— re·spect·er noun

Examples of RESPECT

1. The students respect the principal for his honesty.
2. I respect what she has accomplished.
3. You must learn to respect other people's property.
4. We need to respect the environment.
5. Many other critics respect her work, but marginalize her as “the best Polish woman artist” or “the best woman artist of Eastern Europe.” —Andrew Solomon, New York Times Book Review, 21 Aug. 1994
6. He had a weak point—this Fortunato—although in other regards he was a man to be respected and even feared. —Edgar Allan Poe, The Cask of Amontillado, 1846
7. Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof … —The Constitiution of the United States of America

Origin of RESPECT

(see ¹respect)

First Known Use: 1560

Related to RESPECT

Synonyms: appreciate, consider, esteem, regard, admire

Related Words: acclaim, accredit, applaud, approve, commend, compliment, credit, praise; delight (in), drink (in), enjoy, relish, revel (in), savor (also savour); dig, fancy, favor, groove (on), like, love; adore, adulate, canonize, deify, dote (on), hallow, idolize, revere, reverence, venerate, worship; cherish, love, prize, treasure, value

Near Antonyms: abhor, abominate, despise, detest, execrate, hate, loathe; condemn, decry, deplore, disapprove, discount, discountenance, disdain, disfavor, dislike, dismiss, disregard, frown (on or upon), kiss off, scorn, vilify

[+]more[-]hide

See Synonym Discussion at regard