entrust

verb

en·​trust in-ˈtrəst How to pronounce entrust (audio)
en-
variants or less commonly intrust
entrusted also intrusted; entrusting also intrusting; entrusts also intrusts

transitive verb

1
: to confer a trust on
especially : to deliver something in trust to
2
: to commit to another with confidence
entrustment noun
Choose the Right Synonym for entrust

commit, entrust, confide, consign, relegate mean to assign to a person or place for a definite purpose.

commit may express the general idea of delivering into another's charge or the special sense of transferring to a superior power or to a special place of custody.

committed the felon to prison

entrust implies committing with trust and confidence.

the president is entrusted with broad powers

confide implies entrusting with great assurance or reliance.

confided complete control of my affairs to my attorney

consign suggests removing from one's control with formality or finality.

consigned the damaging notes to the fire

relegate implies a consigning to a particular class or sphere often with a suggestion of getting rid of.

relegated to an obscure position in the company

Examples of entrust in a Sentence

She was entrusted with the job of organizing the reception. we entrusted our financial adviser with the investment of all of our savings
Recent Examples on the Web Those who argue that the PA must reform itself so that it can be entrusted with governing in Gaza are missing the point. Raja Khalidi, Foreign Affairs, 19 Mar. 2024 Assistant District Attorney Matthew Westphal contended that, in her position, Zapata was entrusted with safeguarding elections. Alison Dirr, Journal Sentinel, 18 Mar. 2024 Despite Wexler’s accolades, Joel wasn’t going to entrust the younger songwriter right away. Jenna Wang, Peoplemag, 14 Mar. 2024 With such confidence and entrust in their capabilities, the fans are now also geared up for the two of the best United States athletes to showcase their strength at the Olympics 2024. Paras Jan, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2024 My opponent left the Tarrant County Republican Party in financial ruin, and the taxpayers cannot allow this type of management over the money entrusted with this office. Noah Alcala Bach, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Feb. 2024 Ferry said the coaches had no qualms about entrusting the team’s leadership to Brown. Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 13 Feb. 2024 The agency is entrusted with getting humanitarian aid into Gaza. Marin Scott, NBC News, 9 Feb. 2024 Five regents, including Toranaga, have been entrusted to maintain peace while keeping the royal seat warm for their deceased sovereign’s sole heir, who has yet to come of age. Inkoo Kang, The New Yorker, 26 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'entrust.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1586, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of entrust was in 1586

Dictionary Entries Near entrust

Cite this Entry

“Entrust.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/entrust. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

entrust

verb
en·​trust in-ˈtrəst How to pronounce entrust (audio)
1
: to give into the care of another
entrust your savings to a bank
2
: to give custody, care, or charge of something to
entrust a bank with your savings
entrustment noun

Legal Definition

entrust

transitive verb
en·​trust
variants also intrust
1
: to deliver something to (a person) under a charge or duty
2
: to give (something) over to the care of another
specifically : to deliver to a merchant who may transfer ownership to a buyer in the ordinary course of business
used especially in the Uniform Commercial Code
see also negligent entrustment compare bail, consign
entrustment noun

More from Merriam-Webster on entrust

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