A confidant is someone you trust completely with your private thoughts, feelings, and secrets. It's that person you can tell anything to without worrying they'll share it with others or judge you harshly.

Your best friend might be your confidant when you're worried about something at school. Your older sister could be your confidant when you need advice about a friendship problem. Some people find a confidant in a parent, a teacher, or even a journal where they write their most honest thoughts.

What makes someone a true confidant is that they keep secrets, listen carefully, take your feelings seriously, and help you think through problems without making you feel small or silly. A confidant creates a safe space where you can be completely honest about your hopes, fears, and mistakes.

The word comes from the same root as “confidence,” which makes sense: you have confidence in this person to protect what you share. When you confide in someone, meaning you share something private with them, they become your confidant. Having at least one confidant in your life means you don't have to carry your heaviest thoughts alone.