—adj.
1 untroubled by danger or fear.
2 safe against attack: impregnable.
3 reliable; certain not to fail (the plan is secure).
4 fixed or fastened so as not to give way or get loose or be lost (made the door secure).
5 a (foll. by of) certain to achieve (secure of victory). b (foll. by against, from) safe, protected (secure against attack).
—v.tr.
1 make secure or safe; fortify.
2 fasten, close, or confine securely.
3 succeed in obtaining or achieving (have secured front seats).
4 guarantee against loss (a loan secured by property).
5 compress (a blood-vessel) to prevent bleeding.
Phrases and idioms:
secure arms Mil. hold a rifle with the muzzle downward and the lock in the armpit to guard it from rain.
Derivatives:
securable adj. securely adv. securement n.
Etymology: L securus (as SE-, cura care)
Useful english dictionary. 2012.