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 commodification not only disrespects Indigenous cultures but also risks severing the very bonds that sustain them. Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025 Daddy got your back, ain’t let nobody disrespect our grind. Emanuel Maiberg, Wired News, 17 Apr. 2025
Noun
Maintain safety by allowing your teen to share sensitive information without judgement, punishment, disrespect, or harsh criticism. Sherri Gordon, Parents, 4 Mar. 2025 From today’s extended look, director Joseph Kosinski and producer Jerry Bruckheimer have delivered something that’s akin to a Top Gun with lots of riveting, cut-the-corner race scenes that outstrip those of James Mangold’s Ford v. Ferrari (no disrespect) and bromance camaraderie. Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 1 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 22 Apr. 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
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