mistrustful
|mis-trust-ful|
/mɪˈstrʌstfəl/
full of distrust
Etymology
'mistrustful' is formed from the prefix 'mis-' + the noun/verb 'trust' + the adjective suffix '-ful'. 'mis-' originates from Old English and Proto-Germanic meaning 'wrong' or 'badly', 'trust' originates from Old Norse 'traust' and Proto-Germanic '*traustaz' meaning 'help, confidence', and '-ful' originates from Old English 'ful' meaning 'full of'.
'trust' entered Middle English from Old Norse 'traust' and related Germanic sources; 'mistrust' as a formation appeared in Middle to Early Modern English by combining the negative prefix 'mis-' with 'trust'; adding the productive adjective suffix '-ful' produced 'mistrustful' in Modern English.
Originally formed to mean 'full of mistrust' or 'characterized by mistrust', the basic sense has remained stable and continues to mean 'inclined to distrust'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
having or showing a lack of trust; inclined to doubt or be suspicious.
She gave him a mistrustful look when he explained the sudden delay.
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Adjective 2
characterized by general distrust of people or institutions; predisposed to suspect motives or honesty.
A mistrustful attitude toward politicians can lead people to ignore useful policies.
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Last updated: 2026/01/30 14:05