distrust
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /dɪsˈtrʌst/
KK: /dɪsˈtrʌst/
noun
Definition
A feeling of not trusting someone or something; a lack of confidence in someone or something.
Example
Her distrust of strangers made her hesitant to accept help.
Conversation
I feel a bit of distrust towards him after what happened last time.
Yeah, I understand why you would feel that way.
It's just hard to move past that feeling of distrust sometimes.
True, but maybe giving him another chance could help.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
suspicion
mistrust
doubt
Antonyms
trust
confidence
faith
transitive verb
Definition
To have a lack of confidence or trust in someone or something.
Example
She began to distrust his intentions after he lied to her.
Tense Forms
Past: distrusted
Past Participle: distrusted
Conversation
I can't help but distrust his intentions lately.
Really? I thought he was just trying to help.
I know, but something feels off; I just have this gut feeling that I can’t shake.
Root Explanation
Distrust → It is formed from "dis-" (meaning apart or away) and "trust" (from Old Norse "traust", meaning confidence or reliance). The word "distrust" means to have a lack of confidence or to be wary of someone or something.
Memory Tip
Think of being 'away from' trust — 'dis-' means apart, and 'trust' means confidence. This helps you remember that distrust means a lack of confidence.
Visually Confused Words
mistrust
predistrust
dioestrus
undistrusted
intrust
disrupt
disgust