Part of Speech

noun, verb

Pronunciation

/dɪsˈtrʌst/

Definitions

• noun: A lack of trust or confidence in someone or something.
• verb: To have no trust or confidence in someone or something.

Usage Examples

• Her distrust of the system led her to protest against the new policies.
• The public's distrust in the government grew as corruption scandals emerged.

Etymology

The word 'distrust' comes from the prefix 'dis-' meaning "opposite of" or "lack of" and the word 'trust,' originating from Old French 'troster' (to trust), from Latin 'trustare,' meaning to rely or place confidence in.

Synonyms

• suspicion
• doubt
• mistrust
• skepticism
• incredulity

Antonyms

• trust
• faith
• confidence
• reliance
• belief

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• In some dialects of English, 'distrust' may be pronounced as /dɪsˈtrʌst/ or /dɪsˈtrʌs/ depending on the region.
• In Australian English, it may have a slightly different intonation, especially in casual speech.

Historical Usage

The term 'distrust' has been used in English since the late Middle Ages, reflecting a general unease and wariness of authority, especially in the context of government and social trust. Historically, the word was often used to describe suspicion of monarchs and rulers, particularly during times of political upheaval.

Cultural Nuances

Culturally, distrust is often seen as a defensive reaction to perceived betrayal or harm. In many societies, particularly those with collectivist traditions, distrust can indicate a breakdown in community cohesion or personal relationships. In more individualistic societies, distrust might be more associated with skepticism toward authority or large institutions.

More Information

'Distrust' is a fundamental concept in the study of social and psychological behaviors. It plays a central role in shaping interpersonal relationships, politics, and the functioning of societies. Trust is often seen as the foundation of social capital, and its absence—manifested as distrust—can lead to a breakdown in cooperation, communication, and collaboration. In contemporary society, distrust has become a topic of much debate, especially in the context of the digital age, where misinformation and online interactions complicate traditional notions of trust.