secure

 
Pronunciation: /sɪˈkjʊə, sɪˈkjɔː/

adjective

  • 1fixed or fastened so as not to give way, become loose, or be lost: check to ensure that all nuts and bolts are secure
  • (of a place of detention) having provisions against the escape of inmates: a secure unit for young offenders
  • 2certain to remain safe and unthreatened: his position as party leader was less than secure a more competitive economy will lead to an increase in secure employment
  • protected against attack or other criminal activity: no airport is totally secure
  • feeling confident and free from fear or anxiety: everyone needs to have a home and to feel secure and wanted
  • (secure of) dated feeling no doubts about attaining: she remained poised and complacent, secure of admiration

verb

[with object]
  • 1fix 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
  • Surgery compress (a blood vessel) to prevent bleeding.
  • 2succeed 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 non-payment: a loan secured on your home
  • 3protect against threats; make safe: the government is concerned to secure the economy against too much foreign ownership

Phrases

secure arms

Military hold a rifle with the muzzle downward and the lock in the armpit to guard it from rain.

Derivatives

securable

adjective

securely

adverb

securement

noun

secureness

noun

Origin:

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