disrespect
Americannoun
verb (used with object)
noun
verb
Other Word Forms
- disrespectful adjective
- disrespectfully adverb
- disrespectfulness noun
Etymology
Origin of disrespect
Explanation
To disrespect someone is to act in an insulting way toward them. When you disrespect people, you think very little of them. Disrespect is all about not showing respect. Actually, it's about showing the opposite of respect, by acting rude, impolite, and offensive. Talking back to your teacher is showing disrespect for her authority. Not giving up your seat to an elderly person is an act of disrespect. So is ignoring the customs and culture in a foreign country. The slang abbreviation dis comes from disrespect and means the same thing.
Vocabulary lists containing disrespect
Common Senses: Spec, Spect, Spic ("Look")
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Dear Martin
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"Harbor Me" by Jacqueline Woodson
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“A disrespect to the game,” said Robert Horry, who played with Bryant in L.A. for seven seasons.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 11, 2026
The unions still accused him of fostering disrespect.
From Slate • Feb. 28, 2026
"Nursing staff will not tolerate the disrespect of other years, when we were bottom of the pile," added Ranger.
From BBC • Feb. 12, 2026
"Of course, no disrespect or anything. Just, like, I could serve on the tee. I could do whatever. I decided to do this, so I thought it was the better option at this moment."
From Barron's • Jan. 18, 2026
These girls really are the height of disrespect.
From "A Place at the Table" by Saadia Faruqi and Laura Shovan
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
