B2verb 1K

Secure

🇬🇧 UK /["/sɪˈkjʊə(r)/","/sɪˈkjʊəz/","/sɪˈkjʊəd/","/sɪˈkjʊərɪŋ/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/sɪˈkjʊr/","/sɪˈkjʊrz/","/sɪˈkjʊrd/","/sɪˈkjʊrɪŋ/"]/

Meaning of Secure

to obtain or achieve something, especially when this means using a lot of effort

In simple words: To make safe or protect something.

Secure in a sentence

• We need to secure the doors before we leave for the night.
• The company aims to secure new contracts with international clients.
• To secure your account, please enable two-factor authentication.
• The team worked hard to secure a victory in the championship game.
• It's essential to secure a backup of your files regularly.
• After the upgrade, we need to make sure all data remains secure.
• They secured funding to launch the new product line.
• Make sure the sensitive information is stored in a secure location.

How to use Secure

Used to indicate making something safe, but can also mean to obtain or achieve something. More common in formal contexts when referring to safety and in neutral situations for obtaining.

Grammar pattern

secure + object

Memory hint

Think of 'secure' as 'se-curing' your belongings safely.

Related words

Collocations with Secure

• easily
• safely
• eventually
• be able to
• manage to
• fail to
• an attempt to secure something
• an effort to secure something
• be aimed at securing something
• firmly
• properly
• tightly
• to
• with

Synonyms for Secure

• protect
• guard
• safeguard
• ensure
• obtain

Opposites of Secure

• danger
• unsecure
• risk

Common mistakes with Secure

• Confused with 'ensure' - 'ensure' means to make sure something happens.
• Using 'secured' as an adjective when it should be a verb.
• Misplacing the emphasis on the second syllable.

Frequently asked questions about Secure

What does Secure mean?

To make safe or protect something.

What is the definition of Secure?

to obtain or achieve something, especially when this means using a lot of effort

How do you use Secure in a sentence?

We need to secure the doors before we leave for the night.

Can you give another example of Secure?

The company aims to secure new contracts with international clients.

What are synonyms for Secure?

Common alternatives include protect, guard, safeguard, ensure, obtain.

What is the opposite of Secure?

Opposite meanings include danger, unsecure, risk.

What words go with Secure?

It commonly pairs with easily, safely, eventually, be able to, manage to, fail to, an attempt to secure something, an effort to secure something, be aimed at securing something, firmly, properly, tightly, to, with.

What are common mistakes when using Secure?

Confused with 'ensure' - 'ensure' means to make sure something happens. Using 'secured' as an adjective when it should be a verb. Misplacing the emphasis on the second syllable.

How do you pronounce Secure?

US: /["/sɪˈkjʊr/","/sɪˈkjʊrz/","/sɪˈkjʊrd/","/sɪˈkjʊrɪŋ/"]/, UK: /["/sɪˈkjʊə(r)/","/sɪˈkjʊəz/","/sɪˈkjʊəd/","/sɪˈkjʊərɪŋ/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Secure?

Used to indicate making something safe, but can also mean to obtain or achieve something. More common in formal contexts when referring to safety and in neutral situations for obtaining.

What CEFR level is Secure?

"Secure" is at B2 level on the CEFR scale.