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

Weeks noted this dovetails with broader coverage of the trend—millennial and Gen Z women in particular have driven a cultural shift toward treating prenups as a wealth-planning tool rather than a sign of distrust. — Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 20 Aug. 2026

But there is a real difference between a parent asking difficult questions and the federal government sowing distrust in agencies charged with protecting children. — Chuka Onuh, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026

Verb

There are a litany of reasons to distrust Google’s AI Overviews, which now appear at the top of its search results above links to actual websites. — Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 20 Aug. 2026

Americans distrust unbridled power and will support Democrats simply to restore a check on the president. — Andrew Cuomo, New York Daily News, 13 Aug. 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