ENGLISH
REFERENCE

secured

v. · adj.
US //sɪkˈjʊɹd// UK //sɪkjˈɔːd// se·cured
  1. 1 to obtain or win (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to succeed in getting something, especially after a lot of effort.

    to succeed in obtaining or achieving something, often through negotiation or competition.

    Example

    The team secured a victory in the final minutes of the game.

    Example

    After months of intense negotiations, the company secured a multi-million dollar contract that guaranteed work for the next decade.

    Usage

    Often used in business or sports contexts to describe achieving a difficult goal.
  2. 2 to make safe (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to protect a place so that no one can enter or leave without permission.

    to make a place or object safe from attack, intrusion, or escape.

    Example

    The police secured the building before allowing the investigators inside.

    Example

    The military forces secured the perimeter of the airport to ensure that humanitarian aid could be delivered without interference.
Show 2 more sensesShow fewer
  1. 3 fastened or fixed (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    fixed firmly in place so that it cannot move or fall.

    firmly fixed or attached in a way that prevents movement or instability.

    Example

    Check that your seatbelt is secured before the car starts moving.

    Example

    The heavy equipment was secured to the deck of the ship with steel cables to prevent it from shifting during the storm.
  2. 4 protected by a loan (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Formal Law

    describing a loan where the lender can take your property if you do not pay.

    relating to a loan or debt in which the lender has a claim on specific assets if the borrower defaults.

    Example

    A mortgage is a type of secured loan used to buy a house.

    Example

    The bank offered a lower interest rate on the secured debt because the borrower provided their property as collateral.

© 2026 English Reference