Dis
/dɪs/noun
To criticize, insult, or show disrespect toward someone or something.
Did you know?“Dis” is a clipped form of “disrespect,” whose deeper Latin root involves looking back at or regarding someone—so to disrespect literally reverses the act of giving regard.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*spek-
“To look at, observe, or examine”
Classical Latin
Latin
specere
“To look at or observe”
Classical Latin
Latin
respectus
“A looking back, regard, or consideration”
Middle English
English
disrespect
“Lack of respect or courteous regard”
20th Century
English
dis
“A shortened form of “disrespect,” meaning to insult or slight”
Modern English
English
dis
“To criticize, insult, or show disrespect”