Mistrusters

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. To hold suspicion or doubt towards someone or something; to lack trust in the intentions or reliability of a person or entity; to view with skepticism or caution, believing that deceit or betrayal may occur
2. To exhibit a lack of confidence or faith in someone's promises or capabilities; to perceive others as potentially untrustworthy or unreliable; to approach interactions with a mindset of doubt regarding honesty
3. To entertain doubts about the integrity or motives of individuals or groups; to be wary of being deceived or let down; to adopt a cynical perspective on relationships or engagements with others

Etymology: "Mistrusters" is the plural of "mistruster", a noun formed in English from "mistrust" plus the agent suffix "-er", meaning one who mistrusts. The plural simply adds "-s" to that noun, so the word refers to several people who habitually doubt others. "Mistrust" itself is a compound of "mis-", a prefix meaning wrongly or badly, and "trust", so its literal sense is a faulty or ill-placed trust. Combining it with "-er" follows the same pattern as countless English agent nouns such as "reader" or "builder," so the word needs no special story; its meaning is transparent from its parts.

Synonyms: skeptics, doubters, suspicious individuals, nonbelievers, cynics

Antonyms: trusters, believers, supporters, advocates, allies