Entrusted Meaning: Definition and Examples
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entrusted
[ɪnˈtrʌstɪd ]
Definition
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
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.
Origin of 'entrusted'
Main points about word origin
- 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.
The word "entrust" originates from the late Middle English, derived from the prefix 'en-' meaning 'to cause to be' and 'trust', which comes from the Old Norse word 'traust', meaning 'strong, firm, trust'. Over time, the term has evolved to encompass the act of committing something valuable or important to the care of another person. The use of 'entrust' in various contexts, including legal and personal, highlights its significance in relationships built on trust and responsibility. Throughout history, the verb has maintained its core meaning while expanding to encapsulate a range of scenarios where trust is a paramount element.