To confide means to share private thoughts, feelings, or secrets with someone you trust. When you confide in a friend, you're telling them something personal that you wouldn't share with just anyone: maybe a worry about an upcoming test, a problem with another friend, or a dream you're nervous to talk about out loud.

The word comes from Latin roots meaning “with faith.” When you confide in someone, you're showing faith that they'll keep your secret safe and respond with understanding rather than judgment. You might confide in a parent about feeling nervous before a big presentation, or confide in a close friend about a mistake you made.

Notice that confiding goes both ways. When someone confides in you, they're trusting you with something important. That trust is a gift that deserves to be protected. Breaking a confidence means betraying that trust by telling others what was meant to stay private.

A confidant is someone you regularly confide in, a person who knows your private thoughts and keeps them safe. Having a confidant, someone who truly listens without spreading your secrets around, is one of the most valuable parts of real friendship.