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

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

Unlike many other countries that use independent, non-partisan commissions, the U.S. approach often leads to public distrust and partisan conflict. —Diana Leyva, Nashville Tennessean, 12 Aug. 2025

But the incoherence of current immigration polices has generated widespread distrust and opposition to immigration in the United States. —Alexander Kustov, Foreign Affairs, 12 Aug. 2025

Verb

Because conservatives inherently distrust the media and see anyone with a journalist’s integrity as the enemy. —Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 10 Aug. 2025

Studies have shown that many Americans distrust the pharmaceutical industry, and the wellness industry is only growing. —Fortesa Latifi, Rolling Stone, 9 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1513, 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