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

Taken together, these filings depict a system where confidential communication with an attorney is structurally 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

NSLs are written directives from the FBI demanding confidential communication or financial transaction records.

From Washington Post • Sep. 20, 2019

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

Any matter of moment, any thing bordering upon confidential communication, was alone to be trusted entre quatre yeux.

From Travels in France during the years 1814-15 Comprising a residence at Paris, during the stay of the allied armies, and at Aix, at the period of the landing of Bonaparte, in two volumes. by Alison, Archibald, Sir