ENGLISH
REFERENCE

secure

v. · adj.
US //sɪkˈjʊɹ// UK //sɪkjˈɔː// se·cure
  1. 1 to obtain or get (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Academic

    to successfully get something, especially when it is difficult to find or win.

    to succeed in obtaining or achieving something, especially after effort or competition.

    Example

    The company managed to secure a major contract with the government.

    Example

    After months of intense negotiation, the legal team finally managed to secure the funding required for the infrastructure project.
  2. 2 to fix firmly (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to fasten something so that it does not move or fall.

    to fasten or fix something firmly in position to prevent movement or loss.

    Example

    Please secure your seatbelt before the plane takes off.

    Example

    The climbers spent an hour ensuring the ropes were properly secured to the rock face before attempting the final ascent.
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  1. 3 to protect (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to make a place safe from attack or danger.

    to make a location or system safe from intrusion, attack, or unauthorized access.

    Example

    The police arrived quickly to secure the building after the alarm went off.

    Example

    The IT department worked overnight to secure the network after a potential security breach was detected in the main server.
  2. 4 safe from danger (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    safe and protected from harm or being stolen.

    protected against attack, theft, or other danger.

    Example

    Keep your passport in a secure place while you are travelling.

    Example

    The facility is highly secure, requiring biometric identification and multiple security clearances for entry into the research wing.
  3. 5 stable or certain (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    likely to continue and not fail; certain to happen.

    firmly established and unlikely to fail or change; assured.

    Example

    He is looking for a secure job with a good pension.

    Example

    Despite the economic downturn, the investment remains secure due to its diverse portfolio and long-term growth strategy.
  4. 6 confident (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    feeling happy and confident about yourself or a situation.

    feeling confident and free from fear, anxiety, or doubt.

    Example

    Children need to feel secure and loved by their parents.

    Example

    Having a clear plan for the future helped her feel more secure about her career choices during the transition period.
Origin

Borrowed from Latin sēcūrus (“of persons, free from care, quiet, easy; in a bad sense, careless, reckless; of things, tranquil, also free from danger, safe, secure”), from sē- (“without”) + cūra (“care”); see cure. Doublet of sure and the now obsolete or dialectal sicker (“certain, safe”).

Word family

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