Dictionary definition of confess

Confession is often associated with religion, where it is the act of admitting one's sins to a priest or spiritual leader, but it can also be used in a secular sense. Confession can be either oral or written, and it can be done voluntarily or under duress.

In legal contexts, a confession is a statement made by an accused person admitting their guilt in a crime. A confession can be used as evidence in court and can be used to establish a person's guilt. However, false confessions can also occur, especially when the person is coerced, threatened or under duress.

Confession can also refer to the act of admitting or revealing something that is private or personal, such as a secret or a personal feeling. This kind of confession can be a cathartic or healing experience, but it can also be associated with vulnerability and a sense of exposure.

In general, the term implies that there is an admission or acknowledgement of something, often something that is considered to be wrong or guilty, and that can have consequences whether legal, moral or emotional.