: a conflict between the private interests and the official responsibilities of a person in a position of trust
Word History
First Known Use
1860, in the meaning defined above
Legal Definition
conflict of interest
con·flict of interest
ˈkän-ˌflikt-
1
: a conflict between the private interests and the official or professional responsibilities of a person in a position of trust
2
: a conflict between competing duties (as in an attorney's representation of clients with adverse interests) see also ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct