To entrust something to someone means to give them responsibility for it because you believe they'll take good care of it or handle it well. When your parents entrust you with a house key, they're showing they trust you to keep it safe and use it responsibly. When a teacher entrusts a student with feeding the class hamster over spring break, she's putting the pet's well-being in that student's hands.

The word combines trust with responsibility. You don't entrust things to just anyone: you choose someone you believe will honor that trust. A museum might entrust priceless paintings to a careful art restorer. A dying king might entrust his kingdom to his wisest advisor. A friend might entrust you with a secret, counting on you to keep it private.

Being entrusted with something is both an honor and a serious responsibility. It means someone has confidence in your character and judgment. When people entrust you with important things, whether it's watching their younger sibling, keeping a promise, or taking care of something valuable, they're saying they believe you'll do the right thing even when no one's watching.