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Meaning & use

violation of trust

phrase·Academic

Last updated

UK/ˌvaɪəˈleɪʃən əv ˈtrʌst/
US/ˌvaɪəˈleɪʃən əv ˈtrʌst/

Meaning

  1. phrasefixed phrase

    A serious breaking of the confidence or faith that someone has placed in another person or group.

    Grammar: Used as a noun phrase; often follows 'a' or 'any' and can be modified by adjectives like 'serious' or 'gross'.

    Patterns

    • a violation of trust
    • serious violation of trust
    • violation of trust between people

    Sharing her secret was a violation of trust.

    The scandal was seen as a violation of trust by the public.

    Any violation of trust can destroy a friendship.

Common combinations

serious violation of trust
The manager's actions were a serious violation of trust.
gross violation of trust
The lawyer was accused of a gross violation of trust.
violation of trust between
It was a violation of trust between close friends.

Synonyms and how they differ

betrayal of trust
More emotional and personal; 'violation of trust' is more neutral and can be used in official contexts.
breach of trust
Often used in legal or formal settings; 'violation of trust' is slightly more general.

Opposites

building of trustmaintenance of trust

Word family

violate verb
To break a rule, agreement, or trust.
trust noun
Firm belief in someone's honesty or reliability.

Commonly confused: violation of trust or breach of trust?

violation of trust vs breach of trust

A legal term for a fiduciary's failure; 'violation of trust' is broader and can be personal.

Practice

Lying to your best friend is a ___ of trust.

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