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entrust

C2
verb

Pronunciation

UK

  • /ɛntrˈʌst/

US

  • /ɛnˈtrəst/

Description

To entrust someone with something is not just telling them about it. It is giving them responsibility and believing they will handle it with care. Imagine a knight giving his shield to a squire before battle; he is relying on the squire to keep it safe. Or think of a secret shared in confidence: you give that information to another person, hoping they will protect it.

The word carries weight. You would not entrust a casual acquaintance with your life savings or the keys to your home. It suggests vulnerability and a strong belief in the other person's honesty and ability. In stories and history, the word often appears in relationships built on duty and loyalty, like a leader giving an important mission to a trusted soldier or a king placing his kingdom in the hands of an heir.

Examples

  1. 1

    Vacation favor

    She entrusted her house keys to a neighbor while she was on vacation.

  2. 2

    Work responsibility

    The manager entrusted me with the final interview.

    • Pattern

      entrust someone with + task/responsibility

      give them responsibility for it

  3. 3

    Financial trust

    Many clients entrust their savings to her because she is careful and honest.

  4. 4

    Project leadership

    He was entrusted with leading the project after the team leader left.

  5. 5

    Child care

    I wasn't ready to entrust my daughter to a babysitter I had just met.

    • Pattern

      entrust + person/child to + caregiver

      leave them in that person's care

Forms and spellings

4 forms open this card.

Main spelling

  • entrustverb

Forms

  • entrustedpast tenseverb
  • entrusting-ing formverb
  • entrustsverb