confide

[kuhn-fahyd]

verb (used without object)

confided, confiding 

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

   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)

confided, confiding 

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. to disclose (secret or personal matters) in confidence (to); reveal in private (to)

2. to have complete trust

3. (tr) to entrust into another's keeping

Other Word Forms

• confider noun
• preconfide verb
• unconfided adjective
• well-confided 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

"You get close to them and they confide in you about certain things. Sometimes there's bad news and it's sad, it's tough."

From BBC

Unable to tell her friends or family, she confided in her phone.

From BBC

"The restriction on speaking was the hardest thing," Sergei confided when we met in Vilnius very soon after his surprise release.

From BBC

Ultimately, Rogers confided, the visitor would get her audience with Miss Pickford after all —after a fashion.

From Los Angeles Times

“I was afraid I would be late too,” he confides, glancing at his watch, “because I had to make a quick stop at Lady Gaga’s.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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