disrespect

1 of 2

verb

dis·​re·​spect ˌdis-ri-ˈspekt 

disrespected; disrespecting; disrespects

transitive verb

1

: to lack special regard or respect for : to have disrespect (see disrespect entry 2) for

disrespects authority

2

: to show or express disrespect or contempt for : insult, dis

disrespected the officer

disrespect

2 of 2

noun

: low regard or esteem for someone or something : lack of respect

treating a teacher with disrespect

meant no disrespect to you

disrespectful

ˌdis-ri-ˈspekt-fəl 

adjective

disrespectfully

ˌdis-ri-ˈspekt-fə-lē 

adverb

disrespectfulness noun

Synonyms of disrespect

Verb

• insult
• offend
• outrage

Noun

• disrespectfulness
• rudeness
• discourtesy
• arrogance

Examples of disrespect in a Sentence

Verb

a comedian who shuns jokes that disrespect people because of their appearance

the player once again disrespected fans by refusing to sign autographs

Noun

The student treated the teacher with disrespect.

I'm sorry. I meant no disrespect.

He showed a shocking disrespect for authority.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Anything less grossly disrespects the students they are elected to serve. — Elaine Gantz Berman, Denver Post, 27 July 2026

The leak itself received a mountain of backlash from industry professionals, animators and others for disrespecting the years of work put into crafting the film. — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026

Noun

In the millions upon millions of words written and said about this World Cup, who has shown disrespect to players from Haiti, or any other smaller nation? — Nick Miller, New York Times, 27 July 2026

Absent communication often leads to assumptions of indifference or disrespect, eroding trust and fostering hostility. — Alejandro Cárdenas Villa, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1614, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1621, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for disrespect

• architect
• circumspect
• deselect
• dialect
• disconnect
• disinfect
• incorrect
• indirect
• intellect
• interject
• intersect
• pluperfect

Kids Definition

disrespect

1 of 2 verb

dis·​re·​spect ˌdis-ri-ˈspekt 

1

: to have disrespect for

2

: to show or express disrespect or dislike for : insult

disrespect

2 of 2 noun

: lack of respect : discourtesy

disrespectful

-fəl 

adjective

disrespectfully

-fə-lē 

adverb

disrespectfulness noun