The Meaning of Disregard: What It Is and How To Use It

Do you know the definition of disregard? This article will provide you with all of the information you need on the word disregard, including its definition, usage, word origin, example sentences, and more!

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What does the word disregard mean?

According to the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary of the English Language, the word disregard is a transitive verb that means to pay no attention to something, or to treat something as unworthy of regard or notice. The word disregard can also be used as a noun referring to the act of treating someone as unworthy of such regard or notice. Word disregard can be used to reference many different things, including general disregard. The pronunciation of disregard is dis-ri-ˈgärd, which refers to the willful lack of care such disregard implies.

Many different languages also contain words that mean disregard. You may notice that some of these words look and sound similar to the word disregard and to each other. These are called cognates, which are words and phrases in different languages that look and sound similar and also mean similar things. These are often formed when two words have the same root or language of origin. This list of translations of disregard is provided by Word Sense.

  •  Spanish: descuidar‎, desatender‎
  •  Occitan: desconsideracion‎ (fem.), mesprètz‎ (masc.), desdenh‎ (masc.)
  •  Dutch: verontachtzaming‎
  •  Finnish: välinpitämättömyys‎, piittaamattomuus‎
  •  Arabic: إِهْمال‎
  •  Portuguese: desconsideração‎ (fem.)
  •  Hungarian: semmibevevés‎, nemtörődömség‎
  •  Turkish: aldırmazlık‎, takmama‎, umursamama‎, uymama‎
  •  French: mépris‎ (masc.)
  •  Scottish Gaelic: dìmeas‎ (masc.)
  •  Bulgarian: пренебрежение‎ (neut.), незачитане‎ (neut.)
  •  Russian: пренебреже́ние‎ (neut.), игнори́рование‎ (neut.)
  •  German: Gleichgültigkeit‎ (fem.), Nichtbeachten‎ (neut.), Nichtbeachtung‎ (fem.), Missachtung‎ (fem.), Zurücksetzung‎ (fem.)
  •  Romanian: desconsiderare‎ (fem.), dispreț‎ (neut.), discreditare‎ (fem.), nepăsare‎ (fem.), indiferență‎ (fem.)

How can the word disregard be used in a sentence?

Disregard can be used in a variety of different sentences in the English language. Below are many examples of disregard. 

He had a reckless disregard for the safety of others. His lack of attention almost caused a terrible accident, which is a major cause of these accidents and the reasoning for different traffic laws. 

There was a little consequence for the athletes that were using steroids. The purpose of anti-doping regulations was to create an even playing field of clean athletes, but the international anti-doping construct unfortunately did not do its job. 

The people at the protests showed a respectful regard for the social distancing protocols, in opposition to the people protesting the protest, who showed an arrogant disregard for the rules.

The young boys showed a similar disregard for the rules of the school as their fathers and shot BBs into the woods, following their ​​​father’s advice.

The parents showed intentional neglect toward their children, disregard for the protective services, and did not act in the best interests of their children. 

The subject of the politician’s disregard for the poor became a subject of national interest. He decided to reject every press opportunity until things had died down and he could pay his proper respect.

It took supreme courage to stand up to the negligence the workers were facing. They decided to disregard their fears and sue the company.

The man showed contemptuous disregard for the international agreements. Such callous disregard led to him being eliminated from the committee and his actual content being revoked. 

The priest showed open disregard for the teenager’s lust. He felt that it was up to the will of the people not to act with carelessness, and that it took the finest human virtue to remain sinless. 

The little boy showed a lack of care for gravity, and disregarded the fact that every time he flung himself off the playground, it would end in a subsequent failure.

What is the origin of the word disregard?

According to Etymonline, the word disregard has been used since the 1640s. Related words include disregarded and disregarding, along with disregardful. This comes from the prefix dis and the word regard, which has been used since the mid-14th century. This comes from the Old French regard and French regarder meaning to take notice of. This comes from the prefix re and the root garder, a Germannic word meaning to look or heed. As a noun, this word has been used since the 1660s.

What are synonyms and antonyms for the word disregard?

There are many different words that a person can use in place of the word disregard. These are called synonyms, which are words and phrases that have the same definition as another word or phrase. Learning synonyms is a great way to expand your vocabulary and avoid repeating yourself. This list of synonyms is provided by Thesaurus.

  •  forget
  •  pooh-pooh
  •  misregard
  •  disrespect
  •  discount
  •  have no use for
  •  discredit
  •  brush off
  •  pay no mind
  •  brush away
  •  slight
  •  overlook
  •  miss
  •  let pass
  •  brush aside
  •  live with
  •  overpass
  •  despise
  •  look the other way
  •  make light of
  •  shut eyes to
  •  disdain
  •  ignore
  •  turn a blind eye
  •  let off easy
  •  fail
  •  pay no heed to
  •  cold-shoulder
  •  let go
  •  blink at
  •  leave out of account
  •  disobey
  •  pass over
  •  vilipend
  •  disparage
  •  neglect
  •  wink at
  •  snub
  •  laugh off
  •  omit
  •  scorn
  •  take no notice of
  •  pay no attention to
  •  contemn
  •  tune out
  •  turn a deaf ear

There are also numerous different words that mean the opposite of the word disregard. These opposite words are called antonyms. Learning antonyms is another great way to expand your English language vocabulary. This list of antonyms for the word disregard is also provided by Thesaurus.

  •  eye
  •  scan
  •  stare at
  •  pore over
  •  scrutinize
  •  attend
  •  mind
  •  give attention
  •  pipe
  •  get a load of
  •  mark
  •  beam
  •  heed
  •  gaze
  •  advertise
  •  observe
  •  read
  •  note
  •  look at
  •  watch
  •  view
  •  take into consideration
  •  respect
  •  listen to
  •  regard
  •  contemplate
  •  remark
  •  pay attention
  •  look on
  •  notice
  •  overlook
  •  behold
  •  flash
  •  take notice of
  •  see
  •  witness
  •  eyeball
  •  spy

Overall, the word disregard means to pay no attention to, or to treat something as unworthy of regard or notice. This word can be used as either a noun or a verb. 

Sources:

  1. Disregard | Definition of Disregard | Merriam-Webster 
  2. DISREGARD Synonyms: 102 Synonyms & Antonyms for DISREGARD | Thesaurus 
  3. REGARD Synonyms: 192 Synonyms & Antonyms for REGARD | Thesaurus 
  4. disregard: meaning, origin, translation | Word Sense 
  5. disregard | Origin and meaning of disregard | Online Etymology Dictionary