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

He and his lawyers say that his rights to confidential communication and to prepare his defense have been repeatedly violated.

From New York Times • Sep. 20, 2021

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

From Washington Post • Sep. 20, 2019

“We zails to ze norzard,” continued Jan, provokingly, refraining from disclosing at the moment the confidential communication he mentioned having been made to him.

From The Island Treasure by Stacey, W. S. (Walter S.)