Distrust

/dɪsˈtrʌst/ noun

Definition

Lack of trust or confidence in someone; a feeling that someone might be dishonest or unreliable.

Etymology

From Old French 'distrust,' combining the prefix 'dis-' (away from, opposite) with 'trust,' literally meaning the opposite of trust or trust removed.

Kelly Says

Interestingly, 'distrust' is different from 'mistrust'—linguists debate which is stronger, but both show how English adds prefixes to reverse trust, reflecting how relationships can deteriorate in layers.

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