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secure

Syllabification: (se·cure)
Pronunciation: /siˈkyo͝or/
Translate secure | into French | into German | into Italian | into Spanish
Definition of secure

adjective

  • fixed or fastened so as not to give way, become loose, or be lost:check to ensure that all nuts and bolts are secure
  • not subject to threat; certain to remain or continue safe and unharmed:they are working to ensure that their market share remains secure against competition
  • protected against attack or other criminal activity:the official said that no airport could be totally secure
  • (of a place of detention) having provisions against the escape of inmates:a secure unit for youthful offenders
  • feeling safe, stable, and free from fear or anxiety:everyone needs to have a home and to feel secure and wanted
  • [predic.] (secure of) dated feeling no doubts about attaining; certain to achieve:she remained poised and complacent, secure of admiration

verb

[with object]
  • fix or attach (something) firmly so that it cannot be moved or lost:pins secure the handle to the main body
  • make (a door or container) hard to open; fasten or lock:doors are likely to be well secured at night
  • protect against threats; make safe:the government is concerned to secure the economy against too much foreign ownership
  • capture (a person or animal):the suspect is secured and in the back of a patrol car
  • succeed in obtaining (something), especially with difficulty:the division secured a major contract
  • seek to guarantee repayment of (a loan) by having a right to take possession of an asset in the event of nonpayment:a loan secured on your home

Derivatives

securable

adjective

securely

adverb

securement

noun

Origin:

mid 16th century (in the sense 'feeling no apprehension'): from Latin securus, from se- 'without' + cura 'care'

secure in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of secure in the British & World English dictionary

Nearby words

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