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disrespect

disrespected; disrespecting; disrespects

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.

Definitions of disrespect
  1. noun
    an expression of lack of respect
    synonyms: discourtesy
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    types:
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    abuse, contumely, insult, revilement, vilification
    a rude expression intended to offend or hurt
    derision
    contemptuous laughter
    ridicule
    language or behavior intended to mock or humiliate
    contempt, scorn
    open disrespect for a person or thing
    depreciation, derogation, disparagement
    a communication that belittles somebody or something
    cheek, impertinence, impudence
    an impudent statement
    blasphemy
    blasphemous language (expressing disrespect for God or for something sacred)
    fleer
    contempt expressed by mockery in looks or words
    jeer, jeering, mockery, scoff, scoffing
    showing your contempt by derision
    leer, sneer
    a facial expression of contempt or scorn; the upper lip curls
    sneer
    a contemptuous or scornful remark
    put-down, squelch, squelcher, takedown
    a crushing remark
    befooling, stultification
    derision of someone or something as foolish or absurd or inconsistent
    cold water
    disparagement of a plan or hope or expectation
    belittling, denigration
    a belittling comment
    aspersion, slur
    a disparaging remark
    detraction, petty criticism
    a petty disparagement
    sour grapes
    disparagement of something that is unattainable
    condescension, disdain, patronage
    a communication that indicates lack of respect by patronizing the recipient
    calumniation, calumny, defamation, hatchet job, obloquy, traducement
    a false accusation of an offense or a malicious misrepresentation of someone's words or actions
    low blow
    unscrupulous abuse
    billingsgate, scurrility
    foul-mouthed or obscene abuse
    cut, stinger
    a remark capable of wounding mentally
    invective, vitriol, vituperation
    abusive or venomous language used to express blame or censure or bitter deep-seated ill will
    type of:
    content, message, subject matter, substance
    what a communication that is about something is about
  2. noun
    a manner that is generally disrespectful and contemptuous
    synonyms: contempt
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    type of:
    discourtesy, rudeness
    a manner that is rude and insulting
  3. noun
    a disrespectful mental attitude
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    Antonyms:
    esteem, regard, respect
    an attitude of admiration or esteem
    type of:
    attitude, mental attitude
    a complex mental state involving beliefs and feelings and values and dispositions to act in certain ways
  4. verb
    show a lack of respect for
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    Antonyms:
    abide by, honor, honour, observe, respect
    show respect towards
    types:
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    breach, break, go against, infract, offend, transgress, violate
    act in disregard of laws, rules, contracts, or promises
    sin, transgress, trespass
    commit a sin; violate a law of God or a moral law
    blunder, boob, drop the ball, goof, sin
    commit a faux pas or a fault or make a serious mistake
    conflict, contravene, infringe, run afoul
    go against, as of rules and laws
    trespass
    break the law
    intrude, trespass
    enter unlawfully on someone's property
    type of:
    relate
    have or establish a relationship to
  5. verb
    have little or no respect for; hold in contempt
    synonyms: disesteem
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    Antonyms:
    esteem, prise, prize, respect, value
    regard highly; think much of
    types:
    undervalue
    esteem lightly
    type of:
    consider, reckon, regard, see, view
    deem to be
DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘disrespect'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
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