distrust

1 of 2

noun

dis·​trust (ˌ)dis-ˈtrəst 

: the lack or absence of trust

distrust

2 of 2

verb

distrusted; distrusting; distrusts

transitive verb

: to have no trust or confidence in

Synonyms of distrust

Noun

• doubt
• skepticism
• suspicion
• uncertainty
• mistrust

Verb

• doubt

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

Noun

The issue has been a fixture of campaign ads for several years as candidates seek to tap into voters’ distrust of Washington. — Joey Cappelletti, Fortune, 23 July 2026

Siri Omene, another grant recipient, initially dismissed his award as fraud, reflecting widespread founder distrust. — Jasmine Browley, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026

Verb

Sheikh Hamad used gas revenue to give a set of actors who distrust one another a direct stake in Qatar staying open and useful. — Güney Yıldız, Forbes.com, 18 July 2026

The men who wrote the Constitution distrusted parties, but also created and worked within them. — Andy Craig, Washington Post, 15 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

circa 1532, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1548, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing distrust

• self-distrust

Rhymes for distrust

• adjust
• combust
• discussed
• disgust
• entrust
• intrust
• mistrust
• nonplussed
• robust
• sawdust
• stardust
• unjust

Kids Definition

distrust

1 of 2 verb

dis·​trust (ˈ)dis-ˈtrəst 

: 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