Mistrust

/mɪsˈtrʌst/ noun

Definition

A feeling of doubt or suspicion about whether someone or something is trustworthy or reliable.

Etymology

From Old English 'mis-' (wrongly or badly) combined with 'trust'; the prefix 'mis-' is Germanic and combines with many verbs to indicate failure or wrongness.

Kelly Says

Research shows that people who grew up in unstable environments develop higher baseline mistrust—their brains literally rewire to scan for threats more constantly, which protected them then but can make modern relationships harder.

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