confide

[ kuhn-fahyd ]

verb (used without object)

, con·fid·ed, con·fid·ing.

1. to impart secrets trustfully; discuss private matters or problems (usually followed by in ):

   She confides in no one but her husband.

2. to have full trust; have faith:

   They confided in their own ability.

verb (used with object)

, con·fid·ed, con·fid·ing.

1. to tell in assurance of secrecy:

   He confided all his plans to her.

   Synonyms: impart, divulge, reveal, disclose

2. to entrust; commit to the charge or knowledge of another:

   She confided her jewelry to her sister.

confide

/ kənˈfaɪd /

verb

1. usually foll byin; when tr, may take a clause as object to disclose (secret or personal matters) in confidence (to); reveal in private (to)
2. intrfoll byin to have complete trust
3. tr to entrust into another's keeping

Derived Forms

• conˈfider, noun

Other Words From

• con·fider noun
• precon·fide verb preconfided preconfiding
• uncon·fided adjective
• well-con·fided adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of confide¹

First recorded in 1625–35; from Latin confīdere, from con- con- + fīdere “to trust” (akin to fidēs “faith, trust”; fidelity )

Word History and Origins

Origin of confide¹

C15: from Latin confīdere, from fīdere to trust; related to Latin foedus treaty

Example Sentences

“We weren’t really allowed to be friends with one another, and we certainly weren’t allowed to confide in one another,” she said.

From BBC

They must know they can confide in you without fear of punishment.

From Salon

Even during her ill-fated "indie years", fans snapped up experimental and wayward songs like Confide In Me and the Nick Cave duet Where The Wild Roses Grow.

From BBC

The couples live in the same complex, meaning they often confide in each other about their relationships.

From BBC

"It is okay to ask for help, if you are feeling different or presenting with new symptoms then confide in someone you trust in the first instance," she said.

From BBC

Related Words

• admit
• confess
• disclose
• impart
• reveal
• suggest
• whisper