First Known Use: circa 1533
Dictionary
1secure
adjective se·cure \si-ˈkyu̇r\
: protected from danger or harm
: providing protection from danger or harm
: guarded so that no one can enter or leave without approval
se·cur·erse·cur·est
Full Definition of SECURE
1
a archaic : unwisely free from fear or distrust : overconfident b : easy in mind : confident c : assured in opinion or expectation : having no doubt
2
a : free from danger b : free from risk of loss c : affording safety <a secure hideaway> d : trustworthy, dependable <a secure foundation>
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See secure defined for kids
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Origin of SECURE
Latin securus safe, secure, from se without + cura care — more at suicide
Related to SECURE
- Synonyms
- assured, confident, self-asserting, self-assured, self-confident
- Antonyms
- diffident, insecure, self-distrustful, self-doubting
Rhymes with SECURE
abjure, adjure, Adour, allure, amour, Ashur, assure, brochure, ceinture, cocksure, coiffure, conjure, contour, couture, demure, detour, dirt-poor, endure, ensure, faubourg, for sure, Fraktur, grandeur, gravure, guipure, hachure, immure, impure, insure, inure, kultur, land-poor, langur, ligure, manure, mature, mohur, obscure, parure, perdure, procure, rondure, siddur, tambour, tandoor, tenure, Uighur, unmoor, velour, velure
2secure
verb
: to make (something) safe by guarding or protecting it
: to put (something) in a place or position so that it will not move
: to make (something) certain
se·curedse·cur·ing
Full Definition of SECURE
transitive verb
1
a : to relieve from exposure to danger : act to make safe against adverse contingencies <secure a supply line from enemy raids> b : to put beyond hazard of losing or of not receiving : guarantee <secure the blessings of liberty — United States Constitution> c : to give pledge of payment to (a creditor) or of (an obligation) <secure a note by a pledge of collateral>
2
a : to take (a person) into custody : hold fast : pinion b : to make fast <secure a door> <secure a bike to a tree>
3
a : to get secure usually lasting possession or control of <secure a job> b : bring about, effect
4
: to release (naval personnel) from work or duty
intransitive verb
1
of naval personnel : to stop work : go off duty
See secure defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of SECURE
1588
Related to SECURE
Synonym Discussion of SECURE
ensure, insure, assure, secure mean to make a thing or person sure. ensure, insure, and assure are interchangeable in many contexts where they indicate the making certain or inevitable of an outcome, but ensure may imply a virtual guarantee <the government has ensured the safety of the refugees>, while insure sometimes stresses the taking of necessary measures beforehand <careful planning should insure the success of the party>, and assure distinctively implies the removal of doubt and suspense from a person's mind <I assure you that no harm will be done>. secure implies action taken to guard against attack or loss <sent reinforcements to secure their position>.
SECURENESS Defined for Kids
1secure
adjective se·cure \si-ˈkyu̇r\
se·cur·erse·cur·est
Definition of SECURE for Kids
1
: free from danger or risk <Being home made me feel secure.>
2
: strong or firm enough to ensure safety <a secure lock>
3
: free from worry or doubt : confident <He's secure in his abilities.>
2secure
verb
se·curedse·cur·ing
Definition of SECURE for Kids
1
: to make safe <Police secured the building.>
2
: to fasten or put something in a place to keep it from coming loose <Secure your belongings under the seat.>
3
: to get hold of : acquire <… “Your father has finally secured passage for us …” — Theodore Taylor, The Cay>
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