trust
UK: trʌst | US: trʌst
n. firm belief in the reliability, truth, or ability of someone or something
vt. to believe in the honesty, integrity, or reliability of a person or thing
n. a legal arrangement where one party holds property for the benefit of another
The word "trust" originates from Old Norse traust (meaning "help, confidence, protection"), which evolved into Middle English trust with the same core meaning. The root trus- is linked to Proto-Germanic traustą (security, firmness), reflecting the idea of reliance. The final -t is a remnant of Old English noun endings. Over time, the word expanded from physical protection (e.g., shelter) to abstract reliance (e.g., faith in others).
She placed her trust in his judgment.
The charity manages the funds in a trust for orphaned children.
You shouldn’t trust strangers online.
Their friendship was built on mutual trust.
The lawyer set up a trust to protect her client’s assets.