- secure
- 1
verb (T)
1 to get or achieve something that will be permanent, especially after a lot of effort: UN negotiators are still trying to secure the release of the hostages. | a deal to secure the company's future2 to make something safe from being attacked, harmed, or lost(+ against): Extra men will be needed to secure the camp against attack.3 to fasten or tie something firmly in a particular position: a tent secured with heavy wooden pegs | secure sth to sth: John secured the boat firmly to the jetty.4 to legally promise that if you cannot pay back money you have borrowed, you will give the lender goods or property of the same value instead: a secured loan2 adjective1 PERMANENT/CERTAIN a situation that is secure is one that you can depend on because it is not likely to change: There is no such thing as a secure job these days. | a secure source of funds | on secure ground (=when you know exactly what to do or say)2 SAFE PLACEa) locked or guarded so that people cannot get in or out, or steal anything: Make sure the doors and windows are secure before you leave.b) safe from and protected against attacks(+ from): The southern border is secure from enemy shelling.3 SAFE FEELING feeling safe and protected from danger: I'll feel more secure with a burglar alarm.4 CONFIDENTa) feeling confident about yourself and your abilities: a secure and happy child—opposite insecure (1)b) feeling confident and certain about a situation and not worried that it might change: We're waiting to have kids until we're financially secure. | secure in the knowledge that: Myles relaxed, secure in the knowledge that they wouldn't find him.5 FIRMLY FIXED firmly fixed, tied, or fastened: Are you sure that shelf is secure?
Longman dictionary of contemporary English. 2004.