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

According to a recent poll by Meganálisis, Rodríguez’s approval numbers remain mired in deeply negative territory, reflecting persistent distrust toward the ruling movement even after Maduro’s removal. —Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 6 May 2026

This has created an inherent distrust of the court system and reform efforts, including the SAFE-T Act. —Silvana Tabares, Chicago Tribune, 4 May 2026

Verb

But our culture now distrusts that kind of leadership. —Jonathan Alpert Outkick, FOXNews.com, 25 Apr. 2026

Surely, the paradox of people distrusting AI and yet relying on it can only last so long. —Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 23 Apr. 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