disrespect

1 of 2

verb

dis·​re·​spect ˌdis-ri-ˈspekt 

disrespected; disrespecting; disrespects

transitive verb

1

: to lack special regard or respect for : to have disrespect (see disrespect entry 2) for

disrespects authority

2

: to show or express disrespect or contempt for : insult, dis

disrespected the officer

disrespect

2 of 2

noun

: low regard or esteem for someone or something : lack of respect

treating a teacher with disrespect

meant no disrespect to you

disrespectful

ˌdis-ri-ˈspekt-fəl 

adjective

disrespectfully

ˌdis-ri-ˈspekt-fə-lē 

adverb

disrespectfulness noun

Synonyms

Verb

• affront
• dis [slang]
• diss
• insult
• offend
• outrage
• slap
• slight
• wound

Noun

• dis [slang]
• diss
• discourteousness
• discourtesy
• disrespectfulness
• impertinence
• impertinency
• impoliteness
• impudence
• incivility
• inconsiderateness
• inconsideration
• insolence
• rudeness
• ungraciousness

Examples of disrespect in a Sentence

Verb

a comedian who shuns jokes that disrespect people because of their appearance

the player once again disrespected fans by refusing to sign autographs

Noun

The student treated the teacher with disrespect.

I'm sorry. I meant no disrespect.

He showed a shocking disrespect for authority.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Both of them ended up feeling angry and disrespected. —Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 2 Oct. 2024

Netizens on China's X-like social media platform Weibo accused him of disrespecting the armed forces. —Nina Turner, Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2024

Noun

The problem isn’t just the vehicle, but the fundamental disrespect. —Blair Braverman, Outside Online, 18 Nov. 2024

Experiencing disrespect, being overlooked, and feeling undervalued. —Kevin Kruse, Forbes, 6 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1614, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1621, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

disrespect

1 of 2 verb

dis·​re·​spect ˌdis-ri-ˈspekt 

1

: to have disrespect for

2

: to show or express disrespect or dislike for : insult

disrespect

2 of 2 noun

: lack of respect : discourtesy

disrespectful

-fəl 

adjective

disrespectfully

-fə-lē 

adverb

disrespectfulness noun