What does mistrusting mean?
Mistrusting describes a state of suspicion or unwillingness to trust another person, an institution, or a claim. It can refer to a general attitude, as in “the public was mistrusting of the government,” or to a particular expression or behavior, such as a mistrusting glance. The word often conveys wariness based on experience, disagreement, or perceived unreliability, and can therefore sound more emotionally charged than the comparatively neutral “uncertain” or “skeptical.” It is frequently used in the construction “mistrusting of,” particularly when discussing attitudes toward strangers, authority, institutions, or official statements. Although “mistrusting” is related in meaning to “distrustful” and “suspicious,” it often implies an active unwillingness to accept information or rely on someone. The word is understood in standard British and American English and is useful when describing distrust that is visibly expressed or consistently maintained.
adjectiveHaving or showing a lack of trust or confidence in someone or something; suspicious or distrustful.
- Having or showing distrust, suspicion, or skepticism toward someone or something.
"She gave him a mistrusting look before answering the question."
"The guard remained mistrusting of the stranger's explanation."
"Years of political scandal left the public deeply mistrusting of official assurances."
Mistrusting turns suspicion into a mood: a single distrustful glance can signal that a relationship is already under strain.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does mistrusting come from?
The word combines the prefix “mis-” with the Germanic root underlying “trust,” conveying the opposite of confidence or reliance. “Mistrust” developed in late Middle English, and “mistrusting” is the present participle of that verb as well as an adjective derived from it. The related word “distrust” also arose from Germanic roots, with the prefix “dis-” expressing negation or separation.
Related word forms
How mistrusting is actually used
Commonly used as a participial adjective, especially in the phrase “mistrusting of.” It may sound somewhat formal or literary when describing a person's general attitude, while “suspicious” is more common in everyday speech.