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

• insult
• offend
• outrage

Noun

• disrespectfulness
• rudeness
• diss
• 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

There’s a little rockiness between Mer and DeLuca when DeLuca feels disrespected and unequal in their relationship. —Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2025

Your husband overreacted and disrespected you, slapping food and mocking you. —Virginia Chamlee, PEOPLE, 22 Sep. 2025

Noun

The problem isn’t that my girlfriend wouldn’t get to go, but the disrespect and dishonesty of uninviting her out of the blue and trying to cover it up as being a genuine mistake. —Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 14 Oct. 2025

That’s disrespect of a two-time champion. —Miami Herald, 7 Oct. 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