ENGLISH
REFERENCE

secrecy

n. uncountable
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈsikɹəsi// UK //sˈiːkɹəsˌi// se·cre·cy

n. the state of keeping information or actions hidden from others. You use this when people are not allowed to know what is happening.

n. the state of being kept hidden or secret; the practice of maintaining concealment. Often associated with institutional or interpersonal confidentiality.


SIMPLE

The meeting was held in total secrecy.

CONTEXTUAL

The government maintained strict secrecy regarding the details of the new trade agreement until it was signed.

COMPLEX

The culture of secrecy within the organization eventually led to a breakdown in public trust, as stakeholders felt excluded from the decision-making process.

Synonyms
Origin

Alteration (on model of primacy, etc) of Late Middle English secretee, from Old French secré.

Usage

Uncountable; frequently follows the prepositions 'in' or 'with'.

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