B2verb1K

Secure

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

Definition

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

In simple words: To make safe or protect something.

Examples

  • 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.

Usage notes

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.

Collocations

  • 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

  • protect
  • guard
  • safeguard
  • ensure
  • obtain

Antonyms

  • danger
  • unsecure
  • risk

Common mistakes

  • 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.