respecter

American

[ri-spek-ter] / rɪˈspɛk tər /

noun

someone or something that is influenced by the social standing, importance, power, or any deterrent put forth by persons or things (used chiefly in negative constructions).

Death is no respecter of wealth.

respecter British

/ rɪˈspɛktə /

noun

a person who respects someone or something
a person whose attitude and behaviour is uninfluenced by consideration of another's rank, power, wealth, etc

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of respecter

First recorded in 1605–15; respect + -er ¹

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.

And because pollution is no respecter of ZIP codes, this fledgling environmental justice movement energized other parts of L.A. too.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2025

Psychologist Dr Sandra Wheatley says sibling rivalry is no respecter of status.

From BBC • Feb. 10, 2024

A respecter of the past, Usher believes he’s helping move Black entertainment forward in the same way legendary performers before him helped make this residency possible.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 23, 2023

Speaking to PBS News Hour last week, Biden described himself as “great respecter of fate,” and promised to be “completely, thoroughly honest” about the status of his health.

From Washington Post • Feb. 16, 2023

“Some people think it’s an insult to the glory of their sickness to get well. But the time poultice is no respecter of glories. Everyone gets well if he waits around.”

From "East of Eden" by John Steinbeck

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023