confide

Everyday

1. To confide in someone is to tell them a secret or a private worry because you trust them. tree →
2. To confide something is to say it privately, as a secret. tree →
3. (formal) To confide something to someone is to give it into their care. tree →

In the lessons

In stories and PSHE lessons, children confide in a trusted adult, friend or teacher about problems like bullying; it shows trust. Safety lessons say: if someone hurts you, confide in a grown-up you trust. Phrases: «confide in», «confided that», «a confidant».

Examples

• She confided in her best friend about the bullying. tree →
• You can always confide in your teacher if something is wrong. tree →
• He confided that he was scared of the dark. tree →
• Grandma confided a family secret to me. tree →
• I don't confide in people who spread gossip. tree →
• The king confided the treasure to his loyal knight. (formal) tree →

Note

Regular verb: confided, confiding. Say «confide in someone», not «confide to someone» for the trusting sense. Related: «confidence», «confidential» (secret), «confidant» (a person you confide in). Safety note: secrets that hurt someone should be told to a trusted adult, even if you promised.