The word entrust is commonly used in both personal and professional contexts to describe the act of giving someone responsibility or placing something valuable in their care. It conveys trust responsibility and confidence in another person’s ability to manage something important.
In this topic we will explore the definition of entrust its origins examples in different contexts synonyms antonyms and tips on how to use it correctly.
1. Definition of Entrust
1.1 What Does Entrust Mean?
To entrust means to give someone a task duty or valuable item with the expectation that they will take care of it properly. It often implies trust and confidence in the person’s ability to handle the responsibility.
Example sentence: She entrusted her best friend with the responsibility of organizing the wedding.
1.2 Origin of the Word Entrust
The word entrust comes from the combination of “en-” (which means “to cause to be”) and “trust” (which means “confidence or reliance”). It has been used in English since the 17th century to refer to giving someone responsibility with confidence.
Example sentence: The concept of entrusting someone has existed for centuries as trust is a fundamental part of human relationships.
2. Common Uses of Entrust
The word entrust can be applied in different situations including personal relationships business and legal matters.
2.1 Entrust in Personal Relationships
In personal relationships entrusting means relying on someone with secrets responsibilities or valuable possessions.
Examples:
- Parents entrust their children to babysitters when they go out.
- He entrusted his best friend with his deepest secrets.
- She entrusted her neighbor with her house keys while she was on vacation.
2.2 Entrust in Business and Work
In professional settings entrust is used when delegating important tasks funds or responsibilities.
Examples:
- The manager entrusted the new employee with handling customer complaints.
- Investors entrust financial advisors with their money.
- The CEO entrusted the project to the most experienced team member.
2.3 Entrust in Legal and Official Matters
Entrust is often used in legal or formal contexts when assigning authority power or legal responsibilities to someone.
Examples:
- A will entrusts an executor with managing an estate.
- Governments entrust agencies with enforcing laws.
- A power of attorney document entrusts someone with financial and medical decisions.
3. Examples of Entrust in Different Sentences
Here are more ways entrust is commonly used in sentences:
- The teacher entrusted her students with the responsibility of taking care of the class pet.
- She entrusted the lawyer with handling her inheritance.
- John entrusted his younger brother with keeping his savings safe.
- The company entrusted the security firm with protecting its headquarters.
- They entrusted the charity with distributing aid to disaster victims.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms of Entrust
Understanding synonyms and antonyms can help expand vocabulary and use “entrust” more effectively in different situations.
4.1 Synonyms for Entrust
Some words that have a similar meaning to entrust include:
- Delegate – To assign responsibility to someone.
- Assign – To give someone a specific task or duty.
- Trust – To believe in someone’s reliability or ability.
- Confide – To share something private with someone.
- Authorize – To give official permission.
Example sentence: The manager delegated the task to the most experienced employee.
4.2 Antonyms for Entrust
Words that have the opposite meaning of entrust include:
- Mistrust – To doubt someone’s reliability.
- Withhold – To refuse to give responsibility or information.
- Retain – To keep something instead of giving it to another person.
- Deny – To refuse someone permission to handle something.
- Revoke – To take away an entrusted responsibility.
Example sentence: After multiple mistakes the company revoked his authority over financial decisions.
5. How to Use Entrust Correctly in Different Situations
Using “entrust” correctly depends on the context. Here are some guidelines:
5.1 Using “Entrust” with People
The person receiving the responsibility is usually mentioned after “entrust.”
- ✅ She entrusted her assistant with the task of organizing the event.
- ❌ She entrusted organizing the event her assistant.
5.2 Using “Entrust” with Objects or Responsibilities
You can also use “entrust” with objects tasks or duties.
- ✅ He entrusted the company’s financial records to his accountant.
- ❌ He entrusted to his accountant the company’s financial records.
5.3 Using “Entrust” in Passive Form
“Entrust” can also be used in a passive voice when the focus is on what is given rather than who gives it.
- ✅ The company’s security was entrusted to a private firm.
- ✅ The secret was entrusted to her closest friend.
6. The Importance of Entrusting the Right People
Entrusting someone with responsibility is a big decision. Choosing the wrong person can lead to problems mistakes or even betrayals.
6.1 How to Decide Who to Entrust?
When deciding who to entrust with a task or valuable item consider:
- Trustworthiness – Is the person reliable?
- Experience – Do they have the necessary skills?
- Accountability – Will they take responsibility seriously?
- Past Behavior – Have they handled similar responsibilities well before?
Example sentence: Before entrusting your business to a partner ensure they have a history of honesty and competence.
6.2 Risks of Entrusting the Wrong Person
If someone unreliable is entrusted with something important the consequences can be serious:
- Financial loss – Money may be misused or stolen.
- Betrayal of trust – Private information could be shared with the wrong people.
- Failed tasks – Important responsibilities may not be completed properly.
Example sentence: Entrusting an unqualified employee with critical decisions can harm a company’s reputation.
The word entrust means to give responsibility to someone with confidence and trust. It is commonly used in personal professional and legal situations.
To use “entrust” correctly:
- Always specify who is being entrusted and what they are being entrusted with.
- Choose reliable capable and responsible individuals when entrusting important tasks.
- Be aware of the risks involved in misplaced trust.
By understanding and using “entrust” effectively you can communicate trust and responsibility clearly in both spoken and written language.
