Trust | noun | \ ˈtrəst  \

1. 1. : assured reliance on the character, ability, strength, or truth of someone or something
   2. : one in which confidence is placed
2. 1. dependence on something future or contingent : HOPE
   2. reliance on future payment for property (such as merchandise) delivered : CREDIT
3. 1. : a property interest held by one person for the benefit of another
   2. a combination of firms or corporations formed by a legal agreement especially : one that reduces or threatens to reduce competition
4. 1. CARE, CUSTODY
   2. 1. a charge or duty imposed in faith or confidence or as a condition of some relationship
      2. something committed or entrusted to one to be used or cared for in the interest of another
   3. responsible charge or office
5. 1. archaic : TRUSTWORTHINESS | in trust | in the care or possession of a trustee

Obviously, Trust covers a lot of different conceptual meanings. Regardless of the field in which it is being referenced its meaning is often of the utmost importance. Emotionally speaking Trust is of paramount importance.

Upon the first perception, most see Trust as a form of reliance, or loyalty, however, it is much more than that. Philosophers such as Annette Baier have made distinctions between trust and reliance through the assertion that “trust can be betrayed, whereas reliance can only be disappointed.” This is expanded on further through the examples provided by philosopher Carolyn McLeod where they explain Baier’s position by stating: “we rely on our clock to give the time, but do not feel betrayed when it breaks, thus we cannot say that we trusted it; we are not trusting when we are suspicious of the other person, because this is, in fact, an expression distrust. Thus, trust is different from reliance in the sense that a truster accepts the risk of being betrayed. This, of course, is trust through the philosophical lens, and trust is exhibit through numerous expressions.

Trust on a psychological level is believing that the person being trusted will meet the expectations placed on them. Trust in an economic context is “treated as an explanation for the difference between actual human behavior and the one that can be explained by the individual desire to maximize one’s utility.” Within any given system trust is when any individual component can successfully rely on another to accomplish its intended task.

Simply put, trust is fundamental.