distrust

1 of 2

noun

dis·​trust (ˌ)dis-ˈtrəst 

: the lack or absence of trust

distrust

2 of 2

verb

distrusted; distrusting; distrusts

transitive verb

: to have no trust or confidence in

Synonyms of distrust

Noun

• doubt
• skepticism
• suspicion
• uncertainty
• mistrust

Verb

• doubt

Examples of distrust in a Sentence

Noun

He has a distrust of doctors.

the psychic's bold claims were greeted with distrust and outright scorn

Verb

She's always distrusted their promises.

we instinctively distrust those phone calls that tell us we have won a free vacation or car

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Henning said the anxiety around this and other surveillance tech appears to stem from a deeper distrust in law enforcement, which if addressed could help solve the issue of gunshots going underreported. — N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 11 July 2026

Corbé said the broadcaster’s editorial priorities would remain grounded in reporting and fact-checking amid growing distrust, disinformation and political polarization. — Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 10 July 2026

Verb

Sheikh Hamad used gas revenue to give a set of actors who distrust one another a direct stake in Qatar staying open and useful. — Güney Yıldız, Forbes.com, 18 July 2026

The men who wrote the Constitution distrusted parties, but also created and worked within them. — Andy Craig, Washington Post, 15 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

circa 1532, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1548, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing distrust

• self-distrust

Rhymes for distrust

• adjust
• combust
• discussed
• disgust
• entrust
• intrust
• mistrust
• nonplussed
• robust
• sawdust
• stardust
• unjust

Kids Definition

distrust

1 of 2 verb

dis·​trust (ˈ)dis-ˈtrəst 

: to have no trust or confidence in

distrust

2 of 2 noun

: a lack of trust or confidence

distrustful

-fəl

adjective

distrustfully

-fə-lē

adverb

distrustfulness noun