mistrust
This term describes a state of suspicion or a lack of confidence. It often implies a cautious, guarded emotional stance based on a perceived risk of betrayal or failure. While it shares a similar meaning with distrust, mistrust is frequently used to describe a general feeling of unease or a lack of trust that may not be based on a specific act of betrayal, but rather a predisposition or a gut feeling. As a noun, it functions as an uncountable mass noun. It describes an abstract state of mind rather than a discrete event, meaning it cannot be pluralized or counted with numbers. One refers to a sense of mistrust or a deep mistrust, rather than multiple mistrusts.
Meanings
A lack of trust or confidence in someone or something.
"His deep mistrust of politicians made him avoid all political rallies."
To have no trust in someone or something; to be suspicious of someone or something.
"She began to mistrust her business partner after the funds disappeared."
To feel a general sense of suspicion or lack of confidence.
"He has a tendency to mistrust whenever a deal seems too good to be true."