trust

I. noun Etymology: Middle English, probably of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse traust trust; akin to Old English trēowe faithful — more at true Date: 13th century 1. a. assured reliance on the character, ability, strength, or truth of someone or something b. one in which confidence is placed 2. a. dependence on something future or contingent ; hope b. reliance on future payment for property (as merchandise) delivered ; credit <

bought furniture on trust

> 3. a. a property interest held by one person for the benefit of another b. a combination of firms or corporations formed by a legal agreement; especially one that reduces or threatens to reduce competition 4. archaic trustworthiness 5. a. (1) a charge or duty imposed in faith or confidence or as a condition of some relationship (2) something committed or entrusted to one to be used or cared for in the interest of another b. responsible charge or office c. care, custody <

the child committed to her trust

> II. verb Date: 13th century intransitive verb 1. a. to place confidence ; depend <

trust in God

> <

trust to luck

> b. to be confident ; hope 2. to sell or deliver on credit transitive verb 1. a. to commit or place in one's care or keeping ; entrust b. to permit to stay or go or to do something without fear or misgiving 2. a. to rely on the truthfulness or accuracy of ; believe <

trust a rumor

> b. to place confidence in ; rely on <

a friend you can trust

> c. to hope or expect confidently <

trusts that the problem will be resolved soon

> 3. to extend credit to • trustability noun • trustable adjective • truster noun • trustingly adverb • trustingness noun