divulge

The word "divulge" means to reveal something secret, private, or previously unknown—often reluctantly, cautiously, or under pressure. It comes from the Latin words "dis" (apart) and "vulgare" (to make common), suggesting a making public of something that was meant to stay hidden.

Unlike simply telling someone something, to divulge suggests that the information was not meant to be shared freely. You wouldn't say you "divulged" what you had for breakfast; you'd just say it. But you might say a witness "divulged crucial evidence" in a court case, or that a journalist "divulged the source of their information," perhaps under pressure or after hesitation.

The context often suggests a breach of trust or a revealing of something sensitive. A company might be forced to divulge financial records after an investigation, or a friend might finally divulge a long-held secret after much deliberation. It's also used when someone unintentionally reveals information—"She accidentally divulged the surprise party plans."

Be mindful that divulging secrets can have consequences! While sometimes necessary for truth or justice, it often comes with a cost to trust and relationships. So choose carefully what you divulge, and to whom.