arouse mistrust

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "arouse mistrust" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing actions or behaviors that lead to feelings of suspicion or doubt in others. Example: "His constant secrecy began to arouse mistrust among his colleagues."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Of course, these dismissals carry some weight Croce's reading is prodigious and there is more insight beneath the words than initially meets the eye but unless the reader were already convinced that here at last is the truth, their sheer number and vehemence will arouse mistrust.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

(In fact she will not be rich on Sainsbury's gold, because she is giving most of it away. Some people do, although her critics will be baffled. Generosity of spirit arouses mistrust in those who have none).

The Guardian - Opinion

Some savvy internet users understand the power of digital media in arousing suspicion and mistrust among less digitally literate audiences.

The Guardian - Opinion

His visit to Tokyo's militaristic Yasukuni shrine in December 2013 aroused some mistrust.

The Economist

He began negotiations on his own initiative, arousing the mistrust of his fellow ministers; Pétain dismissed him in December 1940.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In this reserved, northern, Protestant (though not that Protestant) city, Tony Blair's moral eloquence on Iraq meets with a kind of puzzled admiration, while Bush's narrow televangelical fervour arouses much mistrust, for he speaks in a language more often associated here with charlatans than honest pastors.

The Guardian - Books

The reason that publicizing the details of the meeting was important, said Le Monde, was that pirated e-mails and errors in the last report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) already aroused "considerable mistrust".

Science Magazine

The drawing aroused suspicion.

The New York Times

Still, his announcement aroused suspicion.

The Economist

Any variation immediately arouses suspicion.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The secrecy "arouses suspicion".

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be mindful of the subject performing the action. "Arouse mistrust" often implies an active agent causing the mistrust, whether intentionally or unintentionally.

Common error

Avoid using "arouse mistrust" when the intention is to express that existing mistrust is being validated. Instead, use phrases like "confirm suspicions" or "reinforce distrust" when pre-existing mistrust is being strengthened, rather than initiated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "arouse mistrust" functions as a verb phrase where "arouse" is a transitive verb and "mistrust" is the direct object. It describes the act of causing or generating feelings of doubt or suspicion in someone.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Encyclopedias

23%

Science

18%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "arouse mistrust" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that describes the act of instilling doubt or suspicion. Ludwig AI validates this, indicating that it's appropriate for various contexts, particularly in news, encyclopedias, and scientific discussions. While neutral in tone, it's essential to consider the intensity you wish to convey and avoid confusing it with phrases like "confirm mistrust". The related phrases such as "trigger suspicion" or "foster distrust" can provide nuanced alternatives depending on the specific context. Ultimately, "arouse mistrust" is a useful and versatile phrase for expressing the genesis of doubt in various scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

provoke doubt

Focuses on the act of causing doubt to arise, often in a more forceful or intentional way.

foster distrust

Highlights the gradual development of distrust over time, suggesting a nurturing or encouraging of this feeling.

spark misgivings

Implies a sudden or unexpected emergence of feelings of doubt or apprehension.

trigger suspicion

Focuses on the immediate cause-and-effect relationship, emphasizing the action that initiates the suspicion.

instill reservations

Highlights the planting or establishing of feelings of doubt or unease in someone's mind.

generate skepticism

Emphasizes the intellectual doubt or questioning that arises, rather than a deeper emotional mistrust.

cast doubt upon

Directly challenges the validity or truthfulness of something, leading to a questioning attitude.

invite disbelief

Suggests that actions make it easy or tempting to disbelieve, implying a lack of credibility.

breed cynicism

Indicates that actions lead to a more pervasive and negative outlook, characterized by a belief that people are motivated by self-interest.

create uncertainty

Focuses on the generation of a lack of clarity or confidence, rather than a direct feeling of mistrust.

FAQs

How can I use "arouse mistrust" in a sentence?

Use "arouse mistrust" to describe an action or situation that leads to feelings of doubt or suspicion. For example, "His constant lies began to "arouse mistrust" among his friends."

What's a stronger way to say "arouse mistrust"?

For a stronger connotation, consider using phrases like "instill distrust", which suggests a more deliberate and lasting effect, or "trigger suspicion", which indicates a more immediate and intense reaction.

What are some synonyms for "arouse mistrust"?

Synonyms include "provoke doubt", "foster distrust", or "generate skepticism". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "arouse mistrust" formal or informal?

"Arouse mistrust" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, consider your audience and choose vocabulary that best suits the situation.