Dictionary
1mistrust
noun mis·trust \ˌmis-ˈtrəst\
: lack of trust or confidence : a feeling that someone is not honest and cannot be trusted
Full Definition of MISTRUST
: a lack of confidence : distrust
— mis·trust·ful \-fəl\ adjective
— mis·trust·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
— mis·trust·ful·ness noun
See mistrust defined for English-language learners
See mistrust defined for kids
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First Known Use of MISTRUST
14th century
Related to MISTRUST
- Synonyms
- distrust, distrustfulness, dubiety, dubitation [archaic], incertitude, misdoubt, misgiving, doubt, mistrustfulness, query, reservation, skepticism, suspicion, uncertainty
- Antonyms
- assurance, belief, certainty, certitude, confidence, conviction, sureness, surety, trust
Synonym Discussion of MISTRUST
uncertainty, doubt, dubiety, skepticism, suspicion, mistrust mean lack of sureness about someone or something. uncertainty may range from a falling short of certainty to an almost complete lack of conviction or knowledge especially about an outcome or result <assumed the role of manager without hesitation or uncertainty>. doubt suggests both uncertainty and inability to make a decision <plagued by doubts as to what to do>. dubiety stresses a wavering between conclusions <felt some dubiety about its practicality>. skepticism implies unwillingness to believe without conclusive evidence <an economic forecast greeted with skepticism>. suspicion stresses lack of faith in the truth, reality, fairness, or reliability of something or someone <regarded the stranger with suspicion>. mistrust implies a genuine doubt based upon suspicion <had a great mistrust of doctors>.
2mistrust
verb
: to have no trust or confidence in (someone or something)
Full Definition of MISTRUST
transitive verb
1
: to have no trust or confidence in : suspect <mistrusted his neighbors>
2
: to doubt the truth, validity, or effectiveness of <mistrusted his own judgment>
3
: surmise <your mind mistrusted there was something wrong — Robert Frost>
intransitive verb
: to be suspicious
See mistrust defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of MISTRUST
14th century
MISTRUST Defined for Kids
1mistrust
noun mis·trust \mis-ˈtrəst\
Definition of MISTRUST for Kids
2mistrust
verb
mis·trust·edmis·trust·ing
Definition of MISTRUST for Kids
2
: to lack confidence in <They mistrust your abilities.>
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