trusting

American  

[truhs-ting] / ˈtrʌs tɪŋ /

adjective

1. inclined to trust; confiding; trustful.

   a trusting child.

   Synonyms:

   unwary, naive, innocent, unsuspicious

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Other Word Forms

• nontrusting adjective
• self-trusting adjective
• trustingly adverb
• trustingness noun
• untrusting adjective

Etymology

Origin of trusting

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English; trust + -ing ²

Explanation

If you're trusting, you tend to believe what people tell you. A trusting friend will tell you her deepest secrets and trust that you'll keep them to yourself. Use the adjective trusting to describe people who always see the best in others. A trusting child believes everything you tell him and follows where you lead. A trusting dog will follow your commands and stick by your side. The verb trust means "to believe or have faith," and both words come from the Old Norse traust, "help or confidence," and are closely related to the Old English treowe, "have faith or confidence."

Example Sentences

It forbids therapists from insisting on spreading their personal views through confidential, sensitive conversations with trusting minors happening behind closed doors.

From Slate • Apr. 3, 2026

Humans’ trusting nature makes sense for social creatures who must cooperate with members of their own tribe to survive.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 2026

"I am overly trusting, I tend to think the best of people," she said.

From BBC • Mar. 20, 2026

“Just trusting my game,” Doncic said of how he’s reached this level at this stage of the season.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 20, 2026

I shake my head, not trusting myself to speak the lie out loud convincingly.

From "The Cruel Prince" by Holly Black