Entrusted: meaning, definitions and examples

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entrusted

 

[ɪnˈtrʌstɪd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

assigned responsibility

Entrusted means to assign responsibility for something to someone. It often implies a level of confidence or reliance on the person receiving the trust. For example, you might entrust a friend with your personal belongings or delegate a task to a colleague. This term is commonly used in business, law, and personal relationships, reflecting a bond of trust between parties.

Synonyms

assigned, committed, confided, delegated, invested.

Examples of usage

  • She entrusted her car to him for the weekend.
  • The board entrusted the CEO with the company's future.
  • They entrusted their secrets to each other.
  • He was entrusted with managing the project.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'intrustare', which means ‘to put in trust’.
  • First recorded use in English dates back to the 15th century.
  • The concept of entrusting involves a bond of trust between the giver and the receiver.

Psychology

  • Trusting someone by entrusting them can enhance relationships and strengthen bonds.
  • When a person is entrusted, they often feel valued and empowered, which can boost their self-esteem.
  • Psychological studies suggest that sharing tasks or responsibilities can lead to higher levels of cooperation and reduced anxiety.

Law

  • Entrustment is often used in legal contexts, where one party is given the responsibility to care for another's property.
  • In trust law, the entrusted party has a fiduciary duty to act in the best interest of the other party.
  • Failure to meet entrusted responsibilities can lead to legal consequences for negligence.

Business

  • In business management, entrusting tasks to employees can increase efficiency and workflow.
  • Delegation is a key practice in leadership, as it involves entrusting tasks to others based on their strengths.
  • Successful companies often emphasize the idea of trust in leadership to foster an open and productive work environment.

Literature

  • Many stories and novels explore themes of trust and betrayal, focusing on characters who are entrusted with secrets or important tasks.
  • In classic literature, trusted characters often face moral dilemmas that test their loyalty and integrity.
  • The act of entrusting is a common motif in fairy tales, where characters must decide whom to trust in their adventures.

Word Frequency Rank

At #7,207 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.