disrespect

1 of 2

verb

dis·​re·​spect ˌdis-ri-ˈspekt How to pronounce disrespect (audio)
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 adjective
disrespectfully adverb
disrespectfulness noun

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
This means fewer employees feel respected than disrespected! Gena Cox, Forbes.com, 6 May 2025 Reed went on to report a series of grievances against the Griffin teachers union and said she’s been slandered and disrespected by the community. Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 6 May 2025
Noun
Recognizing when jokes mask disrespect is not about becoming overly cautious or humorless, but about ensuring that laughter contributes to connection, rather than corrosion. Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025 Our child's protest isn't a sign of disrespect or defiance. Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 29 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for disrespect

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1614, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1621, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of disrespect was in 1614

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Disrespect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disrespect. Accessed 16 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

disrespect

1 of 2 verb
dis·​re·​spect ˌdis-ri-ˈspekt How to pronounce disrespect (audio)
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 adjective
disrespectfully adverb
disrespectfulness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on disrespect

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!