WordGarden.ioconfidentiality
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /kˌɒnfɪdˈɛnʃɪˈælɪti/
US
- /ˌkɑnfəˌdɛnʃiˈæləti/
Meanings
Noun
the practice or duty of keeping private information secret
in information security, protection of data from unauthorized disclosure
Beyond the definition
Confidentiality is about trust—the understanding that information you share will be kept from others. Think of a doctor's office: what you tell your doctor stays between you and your doctor. That's confidentiality in action! It's not just about secrets, though; confidentiality also applies to sensitive business information or legal matters. Breaking confidentiality means revealing something private without permission, which can have serious consequences—like losing trust or facing legal trouble. A journalist protects the confidentiality of their sources, meaning they won't reveal who gave them information.
Confidentiality is the principle of keeping sensitive information secret and protected from unauthorized access or disclosure. It is a cornerstone of many relationships—personal, professional, and legal. At its heart, it's about respecting someone's privacy and building trust.
The concept extends beyond simply not telling secrets; it encompasses how information is handled, stored, and accessed. In healthcare, patient confidentiality (often protected by laws like HIPAA in the United States) ensures medical records are kept private. In law, attorney-client privilege guarantees that confidential conversations between a lawyer and their client remain secret. Businesses rely on confidentiality agreements (NDAs) to protect trade secrets and proprietary information.
However, there are exceptions. Confidentiality isn't absolute. Laws often require reporting certain things—like suspected child abuse or immediate threats of violence—even if it means breaking confidentiality.
The word comes from Latin roots related to trust. So when you pledge confidentiality, you are making a promise to be trustworthy with sensitive information. A breach of confidentiality can damage relationships, ruin reputations, and lead to legal repercussions. Think carefully before sharing something in confidence, and always honor that trust if it is given to you.
Examples
- 1
Medical ethics
Doctors must respect patient confidentiality.
- 2
Project agreement
Before discussing the project, everyone signed a confidentiality agreement.
- Phraseconfidentiality agreement
a formal promise not to share private information
- 3
Counseling
The counselor promised confidentiality, so the student felt safer speaking honestly.
- 4
Privacy violation
Sharing the client's details was a serious breach of confidentiality.
- Phrasebreach of confidentiality
breaking the rule of keeping something private
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Research survey
The survey was designed to protect the confidentiality of all participants.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
- non-disclosure
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- maintain confidentiality
- breach of confidentiality
- confidentiality agreement
- patient confidentiality
Word family
Explore
- information security
- data protection
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- confidentialitynoun
Forms
- confidentialitiespluralnoun