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diffidare

to distrust

verb deef-fee-DAH-reh Rare
Mind & Emotions Attitudes

Origin: From Latin diffidere ('to distrust'), from dis- + fidere ('to trust').

Also means

to warn off

Usage Note

Diffidare has two distinct uses: intransitive diffidare di means 'to distrust or be wary of' (diffido di lui = 'I don't trust him'); transitive diffidare qualcuno is a legal term meaning to formally warn or serve notice on someone. Learners often encounter only the first sense but the legal use is common in official and journalistic Italian.

Examples

"Diffido di chi promette troppo."

Natural Translation

I distrust anyone who promises too much.

Literal Translation

I-distrust of who promises too-much.

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