unbosom
UK: ʌnˈbʊzəm | US: ʌnˈbʊzəm
vt. to disclose (one's thoughts or feelings) openly
vt. to relieve (oneself) of a secret by confessing it
The word "unbosom" combines the prefix "un-" (indicating reversal or removal) with "bosom," which originally referred to the chest as the seat of emotions. In Old English, "bōsm" meant "breast" or "womb," symbolizing intimacy. By the 16th century, "bosom" evolved metaphorically to denote inner thoughts or secrets. Thus, "unbosom" literally means "to remove from the chest/heart," reflecting the act of confessing or revealing hidden feelings.
She unbosomed her fears to her closest friend.
The diary became a place where he could unbosom his deepest regrets.
In therapy, patients often unbosom traumatic memories.
He unbosomed himself to the priest during confession.
The novel’s protagonist unbosoms her guilt in the final chapter.