entrusts

Entrusts is the third-person singular present tense of the verb entrust. To entrust is to assign responsibility or custody of something to another person, typically with the expectation of careful handling and accountability. The act involves placing trust in the recipient and transferring some form of possession, control, or authority.

The term derives from the root word trust, with the prefix en- indicating causing or putting into a state. Entrust emphasizes transfer of responsibility rather than belief alone; it can involve physical objects, information, or duties. Distinction with trust: to entrust is an action; trust is a state of confidence.

Usage examples and contexts: In business, a manager entrusts a junior colleague with sensitive documents. In law, guardians entrust wards' property to a trustee. In digital contexts, companies entrust user data to secure storage providers. The verb commonly appears as entrusts in the present tense: "She entrusts him with the keys." Alternative forms: entrusting, entrusted.

Legal and ethical aspects: Entrustment often carries fiduciary implications; the recipient may owe duties of care, loyalty, and confidentiality. Improper entrustment can lead to liability for negligence or breach of contract.

See also: entrustment, fiduciary, trust, custody, delegation.