Confession
/kənˈfɛʃ.ən/noun
A formal statement admitting that one has committed a crime or wrongdoing.
Did you know?In medieval times, confession was not only a religious practice but also a legal obligation, binding the confessor to reveal secrets under the threat of eternal damnation.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*dʰeḱ-
“to put, to place; to establish a connection or relationship.”
Latin
Latin
confiteri
“to acknowledge, to admit openly.”
Late Latin
Late Latin
confessio
“a declaration or admission, especially in a legal or religious context.”
Old French
Old French
confession
“the act of confessing, especially in terms of religious rites.”
Middle English
Middle English
confessioun
“the act of confessing one's sins or faults.”
Modern English
English
confession
“the acknowledgment of fault or sin, especially in a formal context.”