secure

se|cure1 [ sı`kjur ] verb transitive FORMAL ***

1. ) to get or achieve something important:

He secured widespread support among the party's senior members.

secure someone's release (=make it possible for someone such as a prisoner to have their freedom): We are seeking their assistance in securing the release of the hostages.

secure a victory: The team secured their second victory of the season.

2. ) to make an area or building safe:

A police escort secured the route of the president.

We have done our best to secure the embassy against terrorist attacks.

3. ) to hold something firmly in place by tying or fastening it:

Screws secure the steel bars to the window frame.

a pile of letters secured with a piece of string

4. ) BUSINESS to get money from a bank or from a person by promising to give them goods or property if you cannot return the money:

The loan is secured by a mortgage on our house.

secure

se|cure 2 [ sı`kjur ] adjective **

1. ) safe from attack, harm, or damage:

Make your home more secure with our burglar alarm system.

secure from: The computer system is secure from intruders.

secure against: No store can be completely secure against theft.

a ) a secure area or building is guarded so that only specific people can enter or leave it:

Only accredited journalists are permitted in the secure area.

b ) a secure situation or job is safe and reliable:

The union contract guarantees secure jobs.

She wanted a job with a more secure future.

He believed in putting his money into conservative but secure investments.

2. ) feeling confident and safe:

The important thing is that children feel secure about being loved.

a ) in a situation where you do not need to worry:

financially secure: Everyone wants to be financially secure in retirement.

secure in the knowledge that: You can go home, secure in the knowledge that your car is safe.

3. ) fastened firmly, in a safe way:

Make sure the pictures are secure.

╾ se|cure|ly adverb:

Please make sure that your seat belt is securely fastened.