disclosure

Everyday

1. Telling people something that was secret or private. tree →
2. A fact or piece of information that is made known. tree →
3. (formal) Officially giving information, such as in law or business. tree →
4. (safety) When a child tells a trusted adult about something harmful happening to them. tree →

In the lessons

In safety lessons, a disclosure is when someone tells a teacher or trusted adult about something worrying, and adults must act to keep them safe. In news and formal language, companies make disclosures about money; schools may need «disclosure checks» (UK) for staff. Phrases: «make a disclosure», «full disclosure», «public disclosure», «disclosure of information».

Examples

• The disclosure of the secret shocked everyone. tree →
• If you are worried, telling an adult is called a disclosure, and it is the right thing to do. tree →
• (formal) The company made a full disclosure of its accounts. tree →
• Full disclosure: I've already eaten one of the biscuits. tree →
• The disclosure of passwords is not allowed. tree →
• The newspaper's disclosure led to an investigation. tree →

Note

Verb: «disclose». Countable or uncountable. «Full disclosure» at the start of a sentence (informal) means «to be honest, I should tell you». In online safety, avoid disclosure of personal details like your address to strangers.