The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook by BETTER WORDS R. B. Skinner

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divulge

verb

/dʌɪˈvʌldʒ/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of divulge

To reveal or disclose information that is typically private, secret, or confidential.
"He was careful not to divulge too much information about his plans."

Detailed meaning of divulge

When someone divulges information, they share it openly or make it known to others, often going against a previous commitment or expectation of secrecy. This term implies a conscious decision to make previously hidden or restricted information public, whether voluntarily or under pressure. Divulging can relate to personal secrets, classified data, or sensitive details, and it often involves a level of trust or discretion. For example, an individual might divulge a secret to a close friend, a government employee might divulge classified information to the media, or a company may inadvertently divulge its trade secrets to a competitor. "Divulge" underscores the idea of making known what was previously concealed, with potential implications for trust, confidentiality, and the consequences of disclosure.

Example sentences containing divulge

1. He reluctantly divulged the classified information to the authorities.
2. She refused to divulge her sources to protect their anonymity.
3. The spy chose not to divulge critical intelligence under interrogation.
4. The detective hoped the suspect would eventually divulge the truth.
5. I can't divulge that secret; it's too personal.
6. The whistleblower decided to divulge corporate misconduct.

History and etymology of divulge

The verb 'divulge' traces its origins to the Latin word 'divulgare,' which consists of 'di,' meaning 'apart,' and 'vulgare,' meaning 'to make common' or 'to publish among the people.' This Latin term evolved into Old French as 'divulguer,' and eventually, it found its way into English as 'divulge.' The etymology reflects the idea of making something known to a wider audience, moving from a state of secrecy or confidentiality to becoming common knowledge. When one 'divulges' information, they are essentially sharing previously private or concealed details, making them accessible to a broader public or audience, thereby 'making common' what was once hidden.

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Further usage examples of divulge

1. Please don't divulge our surprise party plans.
2. He finally felt ready to divulge his innermost feelings.
3. The witness was hesitant to divulge what he had seen.
4. Journalists are often pressured to divulge their confidential sources.
5. The therapist encouraged him to gradually divulge his trauma.
6. She reluctantly agreed to divulge her financial records.
7. The confidential document was never meant to be divulged.
8. The hacker threatened to divulge sensitive data if demands weren't met.
9. The witness was brave enough to divulge the crucial evidence.
10. They decided to divulge their relationship to family and friends.
11. He refused to divulge the password to his encrypted files.
12. She couldn't resist the urge to divulge the surprise ending.
13. The government declassified the document, allowing it to be divulged.
14. He chose to divulge his medical condition to raise awareness.
15. She decided to divulge her recipe, making it a family tradition.
16. The journalist was arrested for refusing to divulge her sources.
17. The witness must divulge everything they know during the trial.
18. The attorney warned against divulging confidential client information.
19. The celebrity's memoir would divulge the truth about their life.