secure

Formssecures, securing, secured

1. 1
   safe from attackadjective

   Safe and protected, so that it cannot easily be attacked, harmed, or stolen.

   Like a castle with strong walls that keep attackers out.

   The army kept the border town secure during the war.

   We felt secure inside the locked house.

   UsageSay secure against or from something: secure from attack.

2. 2
   obtainverbtransitive

   To get or obtain something, often after trying hard.

   Like grabbing the last seat before anyone else can take it.

   She managed to secure two tickets for the show.

   They secured a loan to buy the house.

   UsageOften used for things that are hard to get: secure funding, secure a job.

   Similarobtain, acquire, get, gain, win

   Oppositelose, forfeit

   Note
3. 3
   verbtransitive

   To make something safe and protect it from danger.

   Like putting a fence around a yard to keep small children safe.

   Guards were posted to secure the building overnight.

   They secured the camp against wild animals.

   Similarprotect, guard, defend, safeguard, shield

   Oppositeexpose, endanger

4. 4
   fix in placeverbtransitive

   To fasten something tightly so it cannot come loose or escape.

   Like tying your shoelaces tight so they don't come undone.

   Please secure the gate so the dog can't get out.

   He secured the boat to the dock with a thick rope.

   Similarfasten, fix, tie, lash, anchor

   Oppositeloosen, unfasten, release, untie

5. 5
   verbtransitive

   To make sure you will get or keep something.

   Like nailing down a deal so it can't slip away.

   A good contract will secure your right to the land.

   Writing a will secures your house for your children.

   UsageSay secure something against or from a danger: against loss.

   Similarensure, assure, guarantee

   Oppositejeopardize

   Note
6. 6
   adjective

   Safe from being listened to, read, or found out by others.

   Like whispering in a sealed room where no one outside can hear.

   They used a secure line to discuss the plan.

   Send the password over a secure connection only.

   Similarencrypted, private, confidential

   Oppositeinsecure, unencrypted, open

7. 7
   firmadjective

   Firmly fixed in place and not likely to fail or fall.

   Like a table that doesn't wobble when you lean on it.

   Make sure the shelf is secure before putting books on it.

   The old bridge still felt secure under heavy traffic.

   Similarfirm, stable, solid, steady, sound

   Oppositeunstable, loose, shaky, unsteady

8. 8
   feeling safeadjective

   Feeling calm and safe, without worry or fear.

   Like the calm feeling of being home while a storm passes outside.

   The child felt secure in her mother's arms.

   With good friends around, he felt secure and happy.

   UsageUsually feel secure, or secure in something.

   Similarsafe, confident, settled

   Oppositeinsecure, anxious, afraid

   Note
9. 9
   back a loanverbtransitive

   To promise a lender they can take something you own if you do not pay back a loan or debt.

   They used their house to secure the loan for the new shop.

   The car loan is secured by the car itself, so the bank can take it back if you stop paying.

   UsageSay a loan is secured by something, like a house. An unsecured loan has no property behind it that the lender can take.

   Similarback

   Note

Showing meanings only. Show all 14