secure

²secure

verb

se·curedse·cur·ing

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

2

of a ship : to tie up : berth

— se·cur·er noun

Examples of SECURE

1. We must secure the country's borders.
2. Secure your belongings under the seat.
3. secure a child safety seat
4. The seat is secured to the base by three screws.
5. She scored a goal to secure the team's victory.
6. She secured the zoo's future with a handsome bequest.
7. He secured a loan using his house as collateral.

First Known Use of SECURE

1588

Related to SECURE

Synonyms: bulwark, cover, fence, fend, forfend, guard, keep, protect, safeguard, screen, defend, shield, ward

Antonyms: assail, assault, attack

Related Words: avert, prevent; oppose, resist, withstand; battle, contend, fight, war; conserve, preserve, save; buffer, palisade, picket, wall

Near Antonyms: bombard, storm; beset, besiege, overrun; capitulate, cave, submit, yield

see all synonyms and antonyms

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See Synonym Discussion at ensure