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

Verb

• affront
• dis [slang]
• diss
• insult
• offend
• outrage
• slap
• slight
• wound

Noun

• dis [slang]
• diss
• discourteousness
• discourtesy
• disrespectfulness
• impertinence
• impertinency
• impoliteness
• impudence
• incivility
• inconsiderateness
• inconsideration
• insolence
• rudeness
• ungraciousness

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

This means fewer employees feel respected than disrespected! —Gena Cox, Forbes.com, 6 May 2025

Reed went on to report a series of grievances against the Griffin teachers union and said she’s been slandered and disrespected by the community. —Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 6 May 2025

Noun

Recognizing when jokes mask disrespect is not about becoming overly cautious or humorless, but about ensuring that laughter contributes to connection, rather than corrosion. —Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025

Our child's protest isn't a sign of disrespect or defiance. —Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 29 Apr. 2025

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