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

This emotional fusion is not a sign of secure love, but a form of over-dependence, often rooted in early family and childhood experiences where individuality was discouraged or disrespected. —Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025

If your boss downgrades your work or disrespects you, this is a huge red flag. —Julia Sullivan, USA Today, 24 June 2025

Noun

Despite the disrespect, the Packers' head coach is simply focused on winning. —Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025

In a sit-down interview, Goldberg said the amount of disrespect Gunther had for Goldberg was unreal. —Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 23 June 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