Definition of 'secure'

Word Frequency

secure

(sɪkyʊər )

Word forms: secures, securing, secured

1. transitive verb

If you secure something that you want or need, you obtain it, often after a lot of effort.

[formal]

Federal leaders continued their efforts to secure a ceasefire.

2. transitive verb

If you secure a place, you make it safe from harm or attack.

[formal]

Staff withdrew from the main part of the prison but secured the perimeter.

3. adjective

A secure place is tightly locked or well protected, so that people cannot enter it or leave it.

We'll make sure our home is as secure as possible from now on.

securely adverb

He locked the heavy door securely and kept the key in his pocket.

4. transitive verb

If you secure an object, you fasten it firmly to another object.

He helped her close the cases up, and then he secured the canvas straps as tight as they would go.

5. adjective

If an object is secure, it is fixed firmly in position.

Check that joints are secure and the wood is sound.

securely adverb [ADV with v]

Ensure that the frame is securely fixed to the ground with bolts.

6. adjective

If you describe something such as a job as secure, it is certain not to change or end.

...demands for secure wages and employment.

Many people long for a more predictable and secure future.

7. adjective

A secure base or foundation is strong and reliable.

He was determined to give his family a secure and solid base.

8. adjective

If you feel secure, you feel safe and happy and are not worried about life.

She felt secure and protected when she was with her.

9. transitive verb [usu passive]

If a loan is secured, the person who lends the money may take property such as a house from the person who borrows the money if they fail to repay it.

[business]

The loan is secured against your home.

Video: pronunciation of 'secure'

Word Frequency

secure in American

(sɪˈkjʊr ; sikyoorˈ)

adjective

free from fear, care, doubt, or anxiety; not worried, troubled, or apprehensive

free from danger; not exposed to damage, attack, etc.; safe

in safekeeping or custody

not likely to fail or give way; firm; strong; stable

to make a knot secure

reliable; dependable

a secure investment

6. Archaic

overconfident and careless

verb transitiveWord forms: seˈcured or seˈcuring

to make secure, or safe; guard; protect

to secure a position against attack

to make sure or certain; guarantee; ensure, as with a pledge

to secure a loan with collateral

to make firm, fast, tight, etc.

secure the bolt

to put under restraint; tie up

10.

to get hold or possession of; obtain; acquire

to secure aid

11.

to take into custody; capture

12.

to bring about; cause

to secure a laugh

13. Nautical

to bring to a halt; stop

verb intransitive

14.

to give security

a policy that secures against loss

15. Nautical

to stop working

said of personnel

SIMILAR WORDS: get, safe

Derived forms

securable (seˈcurable)

adjective

securance (seˈcurance)

noun

securely (seˈcurely)

adverb

secureness (seˈcureness)

noun

securer (seˈcurer)

noun

Word origin of 'secure'

L securus < se-, free from, apart (see secede) + cura, care: see cure

Word Frequency

secure in British

(sɪˈkjʊə )

adjective

free from danger, damage, etc

free from fear, care, etc

in safe custody

not likely to fail, become loose, etc

able to be relied on; certain

a secure investment

6. nautical

stowed away or made inoperative

7. archaic

careless or overconfident

verb

8. (transitive)

to obtain or get possession of

I will secure some good seats

9. (when intr, often foll by against)

to make or become free from danger, fear, etc

10. (transitive)

to make fast or firm; fasten

11. (when intr, often foll by against)

to make or become certain; guarantee

this plan will secure your happiness

12. (transitive)

to assure (a creditor) of payment, as by giving security

13. (transitive)

to make (a military position) safe from attack

14. nautical

to make (a vessel or its contents) safe or ready by battening down hatches, stowing gear, etc

15. (transitive) nautical

to stow or make inoperative

to secure the radio

Derived forms

securable (seˈcurable)

adjective

securely (seˈcurely)

adverb

securement (seˈcurement)

noun

secureness (seˈcureness)

noun

securer (seˈcurer)

noun

Word origin of 'secure'

C16: from Latin sēcūrus free from care, from sē- without + cūra care

Example sentences containing 'secure'

These examples have been automatically selected and may contain sensitive content. Read more…

The moon warms emotions and helps both partners feel secure about the relationship. The Sun (2014)The mums are housed on the other side of a secure door. Times, Sunday Times (2010)What makes people feel secure is structure. Times, Sunday Times (2011)We all want to feel that our money is secure and indeed increasing. Times, Sunday Times (2008)Those with troubled credit histories will find it more difficult to secure a loan. Times, Sunday Times (2007)The site is very secure and safe. The Sun (2014)The procedure is mathematically based and highly secure. Veljanovski, Dr Cento The Media in Britain Today (1990)To make sure my new business is a success and become more secure financially. Times, Sunday Times (2009)We should thank farmers and wish them a more secure future. Times, Sunday Times (2007)The first priority must be to secure the future of our forests. Times, Sunday Times (2011)No one entered the building because the front and back doors were secure. Times, Sunday Times (2015)We were made to feel secure in who we were. Times, Sunday Times (2010)Use a money belt or secure inside pocket if you have to carry large amounts. The Sun (2007)The parks are safe and secure and you can relax and have a good time. The Sun (2012)These deals enable borrowers to secure a loan against a property in return for a lump sum or regular income. Times, Sunday Times (2007)Does that make you feel secure? Times, Sunday Times (2008)Recently, there has been another attempt to secure a pardon for some of those men. Times, Sunday Times (2006)All three of the big projects that will secure these jobs in the next decade are controversial and have been linked in the past to budget cuts. Times, Sunday Times (2009)