# secure

/sɪkˈjʊɹ/ (US) · /sɪkjˈɔː/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/secure
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. to obtain or get

verb · CEFR B2 · Academic

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

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

- The company managed to secure a major contract with the government.
- After months of intense negotiation, the legal team finally managed to secure the funding required for the infrastructure project.

### 2. to fix firmly

verb · CEFR B1

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

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

- Please secure your seatbelt before the plane takes off.
- The climbers spent an hour ensuring the ropes were properly secured to the rock face before attempting the final ascent.

### 3. to protect

verb · CEFR B2

to make a place safe from attack or danger.

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

- The police arrived quickly to secure the building after the alarm went off.
- The IT department worked overnight to secure the network after a potential security breach was detected in the main server.

### 4. safe from danger

adjective · CEFR B1

safe and protected from harm or being stolen.

For teachers: protected against attack, theft, or other danger.

- Keep your passport in a secure place while you are travelling.
- The facility is highly secure, requiring biometric identification and multiple security clearances for entry into the research wing.

### 5. stable or certain

adjective · CEFR B2

likely to continue and not fail; certain to happen.

For teachers: firmly established and unlikely to fail or change; assured.

- He is looking for a secure job with a good pension.
- Despite the economic downturn, the investment remains secure due to its diverse portfolio and long-term growth strategy.

### 6. confident

adjective · CEFR B2

feeling happy and confident about yourself or a situation.

For teachers: feeling confident and free from fear, anxiety, or doubt.

- Children need to feel secure and loved by their parents.
- Having a clear plan for the future helped her feel more secure about her career choices during the transition period.

## Examples

- She worked hard to secure a new job at the hospital.
- The negotiator managed to secure a deal that satisfied both the union and the management team.
- After months of intense lobbying, the research team finally managed to secure the funding necessary to continue their study into renewable energy sources.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.