entrust - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
entrust Word Meanings
- to give someone the responsibility for something
- to assign someone to take care of something
- to put trust in someone
entrust Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
entrust Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ɪnˈtrʌst/
US
/ɪnˈtrʌst/
entrust Word Etymology
Root decomposition: en- = to cause, trust = belief. Historical origin: Old French 'entrustier' → English 'entrust'. Memory image: Imagine handing over a precious object while saying, 'I trust you to keep this safe.' This encapsulates both the act of entrusting and the inherent trust involved.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Entrust is a formal verb meaning to hand over responsibility or authority to someone and to rely on that person to act correctly. You entrust someone with a task, a scarce object, or confidential information, and you expect they will safeguard it or complete the job. The phrase emphasizes both the transfer of duty and the trust involved, and you can also use entrust to express confidence in someone’s judgment by placing a project under their care. The common collocation is entrust someone with something, and the register is typically formal, not casual.
Usage Reminders
- Entrust is transitive and takes a direct object; typically you entrust someone with something. The form entrust someone to do something exists but is less common and can sound old-fashioned. It often appears in formal contexts (legal, business). It conveys both the transfer of duty and the trust placed in the person. It can also express trust in a person’s judgment by placing a project under their care. The noun form is rarely used; focus on the verb and its prepositional pattern.
Common Misconceptions
- Entrust is only about trust and not about handing over responsibility.
- Entrust can be used without a direct object, which is wrong.
- Entrust vs trust: entrust implies a transfer of duty, not just belief.
- Confusing with entrustment as a noun form (rarely used).
- Using entrust with to/do without the correct preposition (with is standard).
Thinking Differences
Entrust conveys a sense of formal delegation and measured trust, tying duty to a person. Learners often overextend it to mean mere trust or substitute it with 'trust' in everyday speech.
Learning Tips
- Practice the key collocation: entrust someone with something.
- Remember that entrust is more formal than trust in everyday speech.
- Use entrust to express transfer of responsibility, not just belief.
- Be mindful of the preposition after entrust (with is standard).
- Compare sentences with entrust and with trust to notice nuance.
- Watch for passive forms: be entrusted with something.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses 'entrust' correctly?
A.I bought a new car yesterday.
B.My teacher entrusted me with an important task.
C.I don't want to go to the party.
D.She rejected the gift.
Step 3: Similar Words
What is a synonym for 'entrust'?
A.Abandon
B.Refuse
C.Commend
D.Sell
Step 4: Opposite Words
Which situation demonstrates 'entrust'?
A.Throwing away old clothes
B.Taking care of a friend's pet while they are away
C.Ignoring a phone call
D.Returning a borrowed book
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a personal experience where you had to entrust something to someone else?
A.Share your experience
B.Think about it
C.Not sure
D.Don't want to share
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