Mistrust
/mɪsˈtrʌst/
Definitions
2 meaningsA lack of trust or confidence.
/mɪsˈtrʌst/
Lack of trust or confidence
The citizens expressed a growing mistrust of the media.
💡 Simply: Mistrust is like when you don't believe someone or something will do what they say. It's like thinking your friend might not be telling the truth about where they were last night. It's feeling that you can't rely on them.
👶 For kids: When you don't believe someone or something. It's like when you don't trust your friend with your toys.
More Examples
His actions fueled the mistrust that had been brewing for months.
The incident created an atmosphere of mistrust within the team.
How It's Used
"There is a deep mistrust of the government among certain segments of the population."
"A history of broken promises fostered mistrust between the couple."
To have no trust in; to be suspicious of.
/mɪsˈtrʌst/
To have no trust in; to be suspicious of
He mistrusted the politician's promises.
💡 Simply: To mistrust someone is like not believing them. If your sibling promises not to touch your things, and you mistrust them, it means you don't think they'll keep their promise.
👶 For kids: To not believe someone or something. It's like thinking your friend might lie.
More Examples
She mistrusted the strange man's offer.
After the betrayal, she began to mistrust everyone.
How It's Used
"Investors mistrusted the company's financial reports after the scandal."
"She mistrusted his sudden change of heart, suspecting ulterior motives."
From Middle English *mistrusten*, from Old English *mistrūwian* ("to mistrust"), equivalent to mis- + trust. The prefix 'mis-' indicates negation or error.
The word "mistrust" has been used since the 14th century and reflects the inherent human capacity for caution and skepticism.
Memory tip
Think of a 'missing trust' - a gap where trust should be.
Word Origin
"to suspect or doubt"