conflict of interest

noun phrase

: a conflict between the private interests and the official responsibilities of a person in a position of trust

Word History

First Known Use

1860, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of conflict of interest was in 1860

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Dictionary Entries Near conflict of interest

conflicting

conflict of interest

conflow

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Conflict of interest.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/conflict%20of%20interest. Accessed 8 Feb. 2023.

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Legal Definition

conflict of interest

con·flict of interest

ˈkän-ˌflikt-

: a conflict between the private interests and the official or professional responsibilities of a person in a position of trust

: a conflict between competing duties (as in an attorney's representation of clients with adverse interests) see also ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct