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méfier

distrust, be wary

verb meh-FYEH Less Common
Mind & Emotions Attitudes

Origin: mé- (mis-) + fier (to trust)

Usage Note

Méfier is almost always used reflexively: se méfier de means 'to be wary of / to distrust.' Méfie-toi! is a common warning meaning 'Watch out!' or 'Be careful!' The noun méfiance means 'distrust, mistrust,' and the adjective méfiant means 'suspicious.'

Examples

"Méfie-toi de ce vendeur, il est malhonnête."

Natural Translation

Be wary of that salesman, he is dishonest.

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