Entrust Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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entrust

[ɪnˈtrʌst ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

business

To assign the responsibility for something to someone. To trust someone with a task or duty.

Synonyms

assign, commit, confide, delegate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
entrust	Used when you give someone the responsibility to take care of something valuable or important, often implying a high level of trust. She entrusted her jewelry to her best friend while she was away on vacation
assign	Used in a more formal or organizational context when giving someone a specific task, role, or responsibility. The manager assigned the new project to the most experienced team member
delegate	Used in a work or organizational context when transferring responsibilities or tasks to others, usually subordinates, to manage workload effectively. The CEO delegates many of her duties to her trusted assistants to focus on strategic decisions
commit	Indicates dedicating oneself to a cause or course of action, often with a sense of obligation. Can have a negative connotation when speaking of committing a crime. He committed himself to improving the company's environmental policies Unfortunately, he also committed several mistakes along the way
confide	Used when someone shares personal or sensitive information with someone they trust, often in a private and confidential manner. She confided in her best friend about her fears and anxieties

Examples of usage

She entrusted him with the task of managing the project.
The company entrusted her with the financial decisions.
I entrusted my friend with my car keys while I was on vacation.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

legal

To hand over (property) to another person under a condition of trust.

Synonyms

bequeath, deliver, transfer.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
entrust	Used when giving someone responsibility or care over something or someone important. Often implies trust and confidence in the individual's ability. I will entrust you with this confidential project. Parents often entrust their children to the care of trustworthy babysitters.
deliver	Often used when physically passing an object or a message to someone, or when fulfilling a promise or duty. The courier will deliver the package tomorrow. He promised to deliver outstanding results.
transfer	Used in situations involving formally moving ownership, responsibility, or data from one person or place to another. She wants to transfer her stocks to a different broker. The boss decided to transfer him to another department.
bequeath	Commonly used in legal or formal contexts to refer to leaving possessions or property to someone in a will. My grandfather decided to bequeath his antique collection to the museum. She bequeathed her entire estate to her daughter.

Examples of usage

The lawyer entrusted the documents to his assistant.
She entrusted her will to the executor of her estate.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Trust is foundational in relationships; entrusting something to someone can strengthen bonds.
Studies show that when we entrust tasks, it can enhance cooperation and responsibility in teams.
Feeling entrusted with a task boosts an individual's confidence and ownership over the task.

Literature

In storytelling, characters often entrust secrets or missions to create tension and develop plot.
Classic literature frequently explores themes of betrayal, where entrusted characters fail to uphold trust.
Symbols of trust, like letters or keys, are used to represent what it means to entrust others in narratives.

Business

In the workplace, entrusting employees with responsibilities can lead to higher job satisfaction and productivity.
Leadership often involves entrusting tasks to team members based on skills and reliability.
The concept of entrusting is crucial in project management, where roles must be clearly defined and trusted by all.

Cultural Perspectives

Different cultures view trust and responsibility in unique ways that can affect interpersonal relationships.
In some cultures, entrusting someone can signify deep respect and honor, often influenced by family ties.
The manner in which trust is conveyed and received varies significantly across cultures, impacting communication.

Origin of 'entrust'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Old French 'entrustier,' which means to commit or trust.
It combines the prefix 'en-' (to cause to be) and 'trust', highlighting the act of trusting another.
Its first recorded use in English dates back to the 14th century, showing a long history of the concept of trust.

The word 'entrust' originated from the combination of 'en-' meaning 'in' or 'within' and 'trust.' It first appeared in the English language in the mid-16th century. The concept of entrusting someone with a task or responsibility has been essential in human interactions for centuries, reflecting the fundamental need for trust and delegation of duties.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,884, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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18881 demeanour
18882 ferromagnetic
18883 stint
18884 entrust
18885 inundation
18886 leached
18887 physiologically
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