distrust

1 of 2

noun

dis·​trust (ˌ)dis-ˈtrəst How to pronounce distrust (audio)
: the lack or absence of trust

distrust

2 of 2

verb

distrusted; distrusting; distrusts

transitive verb

: to have no trust or confidence in

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Morgan chatted with Will and Ashley about her distrust of Lauren despite their mutual ally in Vince. David Wysong, Cincinnati Enquirer, 12 Sep. 2025 Incidents like this not only deepen partisan divides but also create opportunities for foreign adversaries to manipulate public perception, fuel distrust, and further destabilize an already fractured political landscape. Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
Families that once distrusted financial institutions now embrace long-term planning. Sergei Klebnikov, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025 At the same time, identity categories have become more fluid, and traditional sources of authority — religion, education, government — are more likely to be contested or distrusted. Christopher P. Scheitle, The Conversation, 5 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for distrust

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1513, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1548, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of distrust was in 1513

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Distrust.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/distrust. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

distrust

1 of 2 verb
dis·​trust (ˈ)dis-ˈtrəst How to pronounce distrust (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on distrust

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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