secure (secures 3rd person present) (securing present participle) (secured past tense & past participle )
1 verb If you secure something that you want or need, you obtain it, often after a lot of effort.
FORMAL Federal leaders continued their efforts to secure a ceasefire... V n
Graham's achievements helped secure him the job. V n n, Also V n for n
2 verb If you secure a place, you make it safe from harm or attack.
FORMAL Staff withdrew from the main part of the prison but secured the perimeter... V n
3 adj 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.
securely adv usu ADV with v
He locked the heavy door securely and kept the key in his pocket.
4 verb If you secure an object, you fasten it firmly to another object.
He helped her close the cases up, and then he secured the canvas straps as tight as they would go... V n
5 adj If an object is secure, it is fixed firmly in position.
usu v-link ADJ
Check joints are secure and the wood is sound...
securely adv ADV with v
Ensure that the frame is securely fixed to the ground with bolts...
6 adj 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..., ...the failure of financial institutions once thought to be secure.
7 adj A secure base or foundation is strong and reliable.
usu ADJ n
He was determined to give his family a secure and solid base.
8 adj If you feel secure, you feel safe and happy and are not worried about life.
usu v-link ADJ
She felt secure and protected when she was with him...
9 verb 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. (BUSINESS) usu passive The loan is secured against your home... be V-ed adv/prep His main task is to raise enough finance to repay secured loans. V-ed
secure unit (secure units plural )A secure unit is a building or part of a building where dangerous prisoners or violent psychiatric patients are kept. n-count
...the secure unit at Cane Hill hospital.
