distrust

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "distrust" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to refer to lack of trust or confidence in someone or something. Example sentence: She had a deep mistrust of politicians and refused to vote.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The damage to the net and its freedoms will take many forms: users may come to distrust the net for communication, sharing, and storage because they now fear – with cause – that the government will be spying on them, whether or not they are the object of that surveillance.

The Guardian - Opinion

"While I was on board I soon realised that the boot room, where we all changed our clothing and left our shoes, had turned into a scene of social chaos," McEwan said, describing how the eminent scientists, who down the hall were gathering to talk earnestly about the future of the humankind, were also capable of stealing each others' footwear and regarding their colleagues with deep distrust.

The Guardian - Books

Hobbes's contract creates not only fear, it creates distrust in a government making crucial decisions in spheres outside of the control of the ordinary citizen.

The Guardian - Opinion

The films that have made you distrust guitars because every arsehole who owns one will invariably sit you down at some point and try to play Misirlou to you.

The Guardian - Film

It's an internet truism to distrust any pronouncement made with the caps lock key engaged, so maybe I'm not supposed to take the headlines on The Blaze, Glenn Beck's contribution to the growing field of self-identified conservative news aggregators, seriously.

The Guardian - Opinion

In Peckham, some of the distrust was directed towards the Guardian and LSE, which a few participants portrayed as outsiders who would struggle to comprehend the hardships faced in the area.

The Guardian

In such a context, that the Paisleyites did not win more decisively last week was a comment on the profound distrust of vast layers of Northern Irish Protestant society for the intransigent and self-righteous politicians of the DUP.

The Guardian

The officers were not indicted, exacerbating historic distrust.

The Guardian

European bureaucrats look at us with distrust today because we said: we need new ways.

The Guardian

Putin, a former KGB spy, once described the internet as a project of the CIA, highlighting deep distrust between Moscow and Washington, whose ties are now badly strained.

The Guardian

The success of these parties has revealed a "deep anxiety, distrust and alienation from the institutions and core philosophies of Europe" that cannot be ignored, he said in comments released to the Times.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "distrust", clearly identify the object of the distrust to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify "distrust of the government" rather than just "distrust".

Common error

Avoid assuming the cause of "distrust" without sufficient evidence. Attributing "distrust" to unfounded stereotypes or biases can lead to misinterpretations and reinforce negative perceptions.

Linguistic Context

The word "distrust" functions as both a noun, denoting a lack of trust or confidence, and a verb, signifying the act of not trusting someone or something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "distrust" is frequently used as both a noun and a verb to express a lack of confidence or belief. Ludwig AI confirms that its usage is correct and applicable across various contexts. Analysis of numerous examples shows that "distrust" is very common in News & Media, as well as in formal and business settings. Related terms include "mistrust" and "suspicion". When employing the term, ensure clarity by specifying the object of "distrust". Avoid making assumptions about the underlying causes without sufficient evidence, as this can lead to misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mistrust

A direct synonym, emphasizing a feeling of doubt or suspicion.

lack of confidence

Focuses on the absence of belief in someone or something's reliability.

suspicion

Highlights a belief that someone may be dishonest or unreliable.

skepticism

Implies a questioning attitude and a tendency to doubt claims or assertions.

doubt

A general feeling of uncertainty or lack of conviction.

lack of faith

Emphasizes the absence of trust, particularly in a system or ideology.

cynicism

Suggests a pessimistic view and a belief that people are motivated by self-interest.

apprehension

Highlights a feeling of anxiety or fear about future events.

unease

Indicates a feeling of discomfort or anxiety about a situation or person.

reservations

Expresses doubts or hesitations about a decision or course of action.

FAQs

How can I use "distrust" in a sentence?

You can use "distrust" to express a lack of confidence or belief in someone or something. For example, "The public's "distrust" of politicians is growing" or "I "distrust" his motives".

What are some alternatives to "distrust"?

Alternatives to "distrust" include "mistrust", "suspicion", "skepticism", and lack of confidence, depending on the context.

What's the difference between "distrust" and "suspicion"?

"Distrust" implies a general lack of confidence, while "suspicion" suggests a belief that someone may be dishonest or involved in wrongdoing. "Suspicion" often has a more specific and negative connotation.

Is it better to use "distrust" or "mistrust"?

"Distrust" and "mistrust" are often used interchangeably, as they are synonyms. However, "distrust" might be slightly more common in general usage.