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
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
Wendy Murphy, Boston Herald, 2 Mar. 2026
Being stage props for a president who never fails to disrespect women is no way to celebrate a gold medal.
—Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 1 Mar. 2026
Magi Helena, Dallas Morning News, 2 Mar. 2026
Those dousings also prompted outrage from police leaders — who decried it as an inexcusable sign of disrespect, and even suggested that officers willing to walk away from that kind of horseplay should consider another line of work.
—Anthony Izaguirre, Fortune, 26 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for disrespect
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Verb
And with luck, the public will now refuse to vote for District Attorneys who disrespect victims and refuse to file rape and child abuse cases.
—Wendy Murphy, Boston Herald, 2 Mar. 2026
Being stage props for a president who never fails to disrespect women is no way to celebrate a gold medal.
—Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 1 Mar. 2026
Noun
In March, someone could undermine your plans accidentally or out of envy or disrespect.
—Magi Helena, Dallas Morning News, 2 Mar. 2026
Those dousings also prompted outrage from police leaders — who decried it as an inexcusable sign of disrespect, and even suggested that officers willing to walk away from that kind of horseplay should consider another line of work.
—Anthony Izaguirre, Fortune, 26 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for disrespect
Cite this Entry
“Disrespect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disrespect. Accessed 9 Mar. 2026.
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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