ENGLISH
REFERENCE

mistrust

n. C / U
B2 Upper Intermediate US //mɪˈstɹəst// UK //mɪstɹˈʌst// mis·trust

n. the feeling that you cannot trust someone or something. You feel this when you think someone might be dishonest or that a situation is not safe.

n. a lack of trust or confidence in someone or something. Often arises from a suspicion of deceit or a history of unreliability.


SIMPLE

There is a deep mistrust between the two neighbors.

CONTEXTUAL

The public's mistrust of the new policy grew after several officials failed to explain the budget cuts.

COMPLEX

Years of broken promises and inconsistent communication have fostered a climate of mutual mistrust that now hampers any attempt at diplomatic reconciliation.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

From Middle English mistrust; equivalent to mis- + trust.

Usage

Often takes the preposition 'of' before the object of suspicion.

Pitfall

I have a mistrust for himI have a mistrust of himWhile 'for' is occasionally seen, 'of' is the standard and more common preposition used with the noun 'mistrust'.

© 2026 English Reference