- secure
- [[t]sɪkjʊ͟ə(r)[/t]]
♦♦secures, securing, secured1) VERB If you secure something that you want or need, you obtain it, often after a lot of effort. [FORMAL]
[V n] Federal leaders continued their efforts to secure a ceasefire...
2) VERB If you secure a place, you make it safe from harm or attack. [FORMAL][V n] Staff withdrew from the main part of the prison but secured the perimeter...
[V n] The shed was secured by a hasp and staple fastener.
3) ADJ-GRADED A secure place is tightly locked or well protected, so that people cannot enter it or leave it.We shall make sure our home is as secure as possible from now on.
Derived words:securely ADV usu ADV with vHe locked the heavy door securely and kept the key in his pocket.
...territory once securely under the control of the rebels.
4) VERB If you secure an object, you fasten it firmly to another object.[V n] He helped her close the cases up, and then he secured the canvas straps as tight as they would go...
[V n] The frames are secured by horizontal rails to the back wall.
5) ADJ-GRADED: usu v-link ADJ If an object is secure, it is fixed firmly in position.Check joints are secure and the wood is sound...
Shelves are only as secure as their fixings.
Derived words:securely ADV-GRADED ADV with vEnsure that the frame is securely fixed to the ground with bolts...
Builders must fasten down roofs of newly-built homes more securely.
6) ADJ-GRADED If you describe something such as a job as secure, it is certain not to change or end....trade union demands for secure wages and employment...
Senior citizens long for a more predictable and secure future.
...the failure of financial institutions once thought to be secure.
7) ADJ-GRADED: usu ADJ n A secure base or foundation is strong and reliable.He was determined to give his family a secure and solid base.
8) ADJ-GRADED: usu v-link ADJ If you feel secure, you feel safe and happy and are not worried about life.She felt secure and protected when she was with him...
The government must feel secure before it will be willing to make the concessions needed for peace.
9) VERB: usu passive If a loan is secured, the person who lends the money may take property such as a house from the person who borrows the money if they fail to repay it.[be V-ed adv/prep] The loan is secured against your home...
[V-ed] His main task is to raise enough finance to repay secured loans.
English dictionary. 2008.