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

Overall, the Bush administration’s misguided foray reinforced in the minds of many in the Middle East a distrust of America’s allegiances, commitments, and adherence to the protocols of the Geneva Conventions, a distrust that persists to this day. — David Friend, Vanity Fair, 10 Sep. 2026

Tung’s response to the two crises was widely criticized and his deep distrust of the media hindered his ability to improve his image. — Kanis Leung, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2026

Verb

This organic metaphor, like the more direct invocation of the female body as an icon, seems to represent another aspect of ostensible artistic sincerity that Koether shows herself inclined to distrust. — Barry Schwabsky, ARTnews.com, 8 Sep. 2026

Democrats, with their signature concern for minority rights, had additional reasons to distrust straightforward majority rule. — Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 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