WordGarden.iosecure
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /sɪkjˈɔː/
US
- /sɪkˈjʊr/
Meanings
Adjective
safe, protected, or not likely to be lost, harmed, or accessed without permission
firmly fixed, fastened, or locked in place
confident, emotionally steady, and not anxious about oneself or a relationship
Verb
to obtain, achieve, or make sure of something
to fasten, protect, or make something safe from loss, attack, or unauthorized access
Beyond the definition
To secure something means to make it safe from danger, harm, or loss. You might secure your house with locks and an alarm system, or secure a valuable object in a safe. It can also mean to get something successfully, like securing a good job after a long search. Sometimes it means to fasten something firmly in place, like securing a boat to the dock.
The word can also describe a feeling of confidence and safety. You may feel secure in a loving home, secure in your decision, or secure about your future after making careful plans. In the digital world, a password helps secure your personal information from people who should not see it.
The word "secure" has a fascinating range of meanings, all revolving around the idea of safety, certainty, and stability. At its core, to secure something is to make it safe from threat or danger. This could be physical security—"They secured the building after the break-in," meaning they locked it up tight. It can also refer to emotional stability: "She felt secure and loved in her childhood home."
But "secure" goes beyond just protection; it also means to obtain something firmly and reliably. You might secure a contract, secure funding for a project, or secure a seat on a flight. This implies confidence and certainty in achieving a desired outcome. For example, "He secured his place on the team with an outstanding performance during the trials."
Furthermore, "secure" describes a state of mind characterized by calmness and self-assurance. A person who is secure isn't easily rattled by criticism or setbacks; they possess a healthy level of self-esteem. As the saying goes, "She seemed very secure in her decisions," suggesting she had no reason to doubt herself.
In the digital world, "secure" refers to information that is protected from unauthorized access—like a secure website (using HTTPS) or a secure network connection. This emphasizes the vital idea of safeguarding privacy and preventing data breaches.
So, whether it is about physical safety, fastening something firmly, reliable achievement, emotional well-being, or digital protection, to secure something is to make it safe, stable, or certain. It is about building a foundation of confidence and peace of mind.
Examples
- 1
Home safety
Make sure the back door is secure before you go to bed.
- 2
Online payments
This website is secure, so you can pay online safely.
- 3
Feeling safe
After a few months in the new city, she finally began to feel secure.
- 4
Job confidence
He is secure enough in his job to take a few risks.
- Patternsecure in + position/situation
confident because you have it
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Course admission
She secured a place on the nursing course.
- 6
Sports result
The team needs one more win to secure a spot in the final.
- Phrasesecure a spot
make sure you get it
- 7
Project funding
They secured funding for the project last week.
- 8
Fastening objects
Secure the ladder to the roof before you climb up.
- Patternsecure X to Y
fasten it firmly
See also
Forms and spellings
6 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- secureverbadjective
Forms
- securedpast tenseverbadjective
- securing-ing formverbadjective
- securesverbadjective
- securercomparativeadjectiveverb
- securestsuperlativeadjectiveverb