dis·re·spect
ˌdis-ri-ˈspekt 
disrespected; disrespecting; disrespects
1
: to lack special regard or respect for : to have disrespect (see disrespect entry 2) for
disrespects authority
: low regard or esteem for someone or something : lack of respect
treating a teacher with disrespect
meant no disrespect to you
disrespectfulness
noun
Synonyms
Verb
Noun
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
Kelly G. Richardson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Apr. 2024
Russell Westbrook does not like it when his name is disrespected.
—Austin Knoblauch, Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2024
My character being picked apart by people who don't know me and disrespecting my name.
—Shania Russell, EW.com, 1 Apr. 2024
How such a discussion would disrespect Piper Laurie (1932-2023) is anyone’s guess.
—Travis M. Andrews, Washington Post, 5 Mar. 2024
Several former Black women employees, including AI researcher Timnit Gebru and recruiter April Christina Curley, have publicly alleged they were sidelined by an internal culture that disrespected them.
—Paresh Dave, WIRED, 7 Mar. 2024
The members of Movement are stretched thin, disrespected, devalued, overburdened, and under-thanked.
—Katy Waldman, The New Yorker, 6 Mar. 2024
Such social dysfunction can run the gambit from disrespecting norms of conduct to violations of constitutional principles to electoral interference.
—Clifford Young, Fortune, 28 Feb. 2024
Real quick People with obesity are often disrespected.
—Laura L. Davis, USA TODAY, 31 Jan. 2024
Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 17 Apr. 2024
Hannah Waddingham won’t stand for disrespect on the red carpet.
—Catherine Santino, Peoplemag, 15 Apr. 2024
His veto today clearly demonstrates his disrespect for women and girls as well as for protecting their hard-fought achievements.
—Laura Schulte, Journal Sentinel, 2 Apr. 2024
But was their disrespect, their sacrilege, condemned by the White House?
—Fox News, 2 Apr. 2024
Then, in a show of public disrespect for the vehicles that weekend, one car was attacked and vandalized in San Francisco’s Chinatown during a Lunar New Year celebration.
—Trisha Thadani, Washington Post, 23 Feb. 2024
Further, seniors who perceive respect from younger individuals are more inclined to engage in generative behaviors, such as mentoring or providing guidance, which can serve as meaningful avenues for connection and fulfillment, while perceptions of disrespect can fuel loneliness.
—Mark Travers, Forbes, 15 Feb. 2024
An upside down flag: A prop for protests or signal for help
Many see the inversion of the flag as a sign of disrespect, but it has traditionally been used as a call for help by individuals and groups.
—David Montesino, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Feb. 2024
The disrespect … Tonight brings another episode of Graziadei’s journey, which started off with 32 contestants and currently has 19 left going into Week 3.
—Dina Kaur, The Arizona Republic, 5 Feb. 2024
Verb
Presidents inhibiting reasonable discussion and unilaterally making decisions without board votes are disrespecting the role of the other directors.
—Kelly G. Richardson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Apr. 2024
Russell Westbrook does not like it when his name is disrespected.
—Austin Knoblauch, Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2024
My character being picked apart by people who don't know me and disrespecting my name.
—Shania Russell, EW.com, 1 Apr. 2024
How such a discussion would disrespect Piper Laurie (1932-2023) is anyone’s guess.
—Travis M. Andrews, Washington Post, 5 Mar. 2024
Several former Black women employees, including AI researcher Timnit Gebru and recruiter April Christina Curley, have publicly alleged they were sidelined by an internal culture that disrespected them.
—Paresh Dave, WIRED, 7 Mar. 2024
The members of Movement are stretched thin, disrespected, devalued, overburdened, and under-thanked.
—Katy Waldman, The New Yorker, 6 Mar. 2024
Such social dysfunction can run the gambit from disrespecting norms of conduct to violations of constitutional principles to electoral interference.
—Clifford Young, Fortune, 28 Feb. 2024
Real quick People with obesity are often disrespected.
—Laura L. Davis, USA TODAY, 31 Jan. 2024
Noun
And the touchdown dance is really taking that ball and going between the legs, like the ultimate sort of disrespect.
—Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 17 Apr. 2024
Hannah Waddingham won’t stand for disrespect on the red carpet.
—Catherine Santino, Peoplemag, 15 Apr. 2024
His veto today clearly demonstrates his disrespect for women and girls as well as for protecting their hard-fought achievements.
—Laura Schulte, Journal Sentinel, 2 Apr. 2024
But was their disrespect, their sacrilege, condemned by the White House?
—Fox News, 2 Apr. 2024
Then, in a show of public disrespect for the vehicles that weekend, one car was attacked and vandalized in San Francisco’s Chinatown during a Lunar New Year celebration.
—Trisha Thadani, Washington Post, 23 Feb. 2024
Further, seniors who perceive respect from younger individuals are more inclined to engage in generative behaviors, such as mentoring or providing guidance, which can serve as meaningful avenues for connection and fulfillment, while perceptions of disrespect can fuel loneliness.
—Mark Travers, Forbes, 15 Feb. 2024
An upside down flag: A prop for protests or signal for help
Many see the inversion of the flag as a sign of disrespect, but it has traditionally been used as a call for help by individuals and groups.
—David Montesino, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Feb. 2024
The disrespect … Tonight brings another episode of Graziadei’s journey, which started off with 32 contestants and currently has 19 left going into Week 3.
—Dina Kaur, The Arizona Republic, 5 Feb. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'disrespect.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Articles Related to disrespect
Dictionary Entries Near disrespect
Cite this Entry
“Disrespect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disrespect. Accessed 23 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids 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
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