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

• distrustfulness
• doubt
• dubiety
• dubitation [archaic]
• incertitude
• misdoubt
• misgiving
• mistrust
• mistrustfulness
• query
• reservation
• skepticism
• suspicion
• uncertainty

Verb

• doubt
• misdoubt
• mistrust
• question
• suspect

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

Another source of distrust is the college admission process, which is largely seen as opaque and capricious. —Mark Robison, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2025

Racial disparities harm our community, lead to distrust, and have a negative impact on community safety. —Devlin Barrett, Twin Cities, 5 May 2025

Verb

Despite promises that help is on the way, Juan distrusts the military and decides to follow the soldiers. —Isadora Wandermurem, Time, 1 May 2025

Republicans definitely distrusted the Fed more than Democrats during President's Biden's tenure. —Greg Rosalsky, NPR, 29 Apr. 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