secure
se·cure / siˈkyoŏr/ • adj. fixed or fastened so as not to give way, become loose, or be lost: check to ensure that all nuts and bolts are secure. ∎ not subject to threat; certain to remain or continue safe and unharmed: they are working to ensure that their market share remains secure against competition. ∎ protected against attack or other criminal activity: the official said that no airport could be totally secure. ∎ (of a place of detention) having provisions against the escape of inmates: a secure unit for youthful offenders. ∎ feeling safe, stable, and free from fear or anxiety: everyone needs to have a home and to feel secure and wanted. ∎ (secure of) dated feeling no doubts about attaining; certain to achieve: she remained poised and complacent, secure of admiration.• v. [tr.] fix or attach (something) firmly so that it cannot be moved or lost: pins secure the handle to the main body. ∎ make (a door or container) hard to open; fasten or lock: doors are likely to be well secured at night. ∎ protect against threats; make safe: the government is concerned to secure the economy against too much foreign ownership. ∎ capture (a person or animal): the suspect is secured and in the back of a patrol car. ∎ succeed in obtaining (something), esp. with difficulty: the division secured a major contract. ∎ seek to guarantee repayment of (a loan) by having a right to take possession of an asset in the event of nonpayment: a loan secured on your home.DERIVATIVES: se·cur·a·ble adj.se·cure·ly adv.se·cure·ment n.