confidential communication

American  

noun

Law.

1. a confidential statement made to a lawyer, doctor, or pastor, or to one's spouse, privileged against disclosure in court if the privilege is claimed by the client, patient, penitent, or spouse.

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Etymology

Origin of confidential communication

First recorded in 1790–1800

Example Sentences

Once someone is found, confidential communication is almost impossible.

From Slate • Dec. 12, 2025

The existence of a confidential communication channel between Mary and Castelnau was well-known to historians, and even to the English government at the time.

From BBC • Feb. 8, 2023

The potential false sense of security is an especially important warning sign for reporters and their sources, who have turned increasingly to encrypted apps for confidential communication as such services have proliferated in recent years.

From Washington Post • Oct. 18, 2018

Yes, the North Carolina Court of Appeals says in one case, ruling Tuesday that crying isn’t protected by confidential communication between spouses.

From Washington Times • Oct. 20, 2015

It was all highly complimentary, and it was supposed to be a confidential communication from the Prefect to Savary, Duc de Rovigo, the Minister of Police.

From Angelot A Story of the First Empire by Price, Eleanor C. (Eleanor Catherine)