1. To treat someone in a position of power or leadership with a lack of respect, courtesy, or deference; to challenge or undermine someone's authority
The student was punished for disrespecting authority when he talked back to the teacher.
O aluno foi punido por desrespeitar a autoridade quando retrucou a professora.
2. To refuse to obey or acknowledge the power of an authority figure
Disrespecting authority can result in serious consequences in military settings.
Desrespeitar a autoridade pode resultar em consequências graves em contextos militares.