Mistrustful

Characterized by a lack of trust or confidence in others; inclined to suspect the intentions or integrity of people. A Mistrustful attitude often stems from past experiences of betrayal, disappointment, or deception, leading to behaviors that exhibit doubt or skepticism toward the motives and honesty of those around them. Individuals who are Mistrustful may find it difficult to form relationships, often misinterpreting neutral actions as threats.

Mistrustful meaning with examples

• After being manipulated by several friends in the past, Sarah became increasingly Mistrustful of new acquaintances, often second-guessing their intentions even when they offered her genuine kindness and support, fearing that they would betray her like those before them.
• The detective's Mistrustful demeanor made it challenging for witnesses to come forward; he often interrogated them with pointed questions, suggesting they might be withholding vital information, which created an atmosphere of suspicion rather than cooperation in the investigation.
• Despite the genuine efforts of his teammates to include him in group activities, Mark remained Mistrustful, convinced that they were merely pretending to like him while secretly ridiculing him behind his back, causing him to isolate himself further.
• The diplomat's Mistrustful nature influenced his negotiations with foreign leaders, as he often misinterpreted their friendly overtures as tactical ploys, which hindered productive discussions and left many issues unresolved between their nations.
• Growing up in an environment where deceit was commonplace, Jenna developed a Mistrustful outlook towards authority figures. Even in cases where she was treated fairly, she couldn't shake the feeling that ulterior motives were always at play, impacting her professional relationships.