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📕 rednote ID(小红书号)：3881567312

Secure: Definition, Usage & Key Examples (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：make safe and protected (secure)

secure 🔊

/sɪˈkjʊər/

To make something safe and protected, so it can't be lost or harmed.

Secure meaning illustrated by locking a door for safety and protection.

make safe and protected 🔊

➕

meɪk seɪf ænd prəˈtektɪd

This meaning refers to the action of taking measures to prevent harm, loss, or unauthorized access to a person, place, or object. It implies creating a state of safety.

📁 Category：Buildings & Places 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

Comes from Latin 'securus', meaning 'free from care' or 'safe'. 'Se-' is a prefix meaning 'without', and 'cura' means 'care' or 'worry'.

💡 Mnemonic

Think: See + Cure. When you SEE a CURE for your worries (like a strong lock), you feel SECURE and safe.

📖 Example

Before going to sleep, she made sure to secure all the windows and doors. 🔊 Before going to sleep, she made sure to make all the windows and doors safe and protected.

🔗 Collocations

secure the perimeter – to make the outer boundary of an area safe from intrusion

secure against theft – to protect something from being stolen

secure one's belongings – to protect one's personal items

🔄 Synonyms

safeguard (v.) – to protect something from harm or damage

protect (v.) – to keep someone or something safe from injury, damage, or loss

🚫 Antonyms

endanger (v.) – to put someone or something at risk or in danger

🌱 Derivatives

security (n.) – the state of being safe or free from danger or threat

securely (adv.) – in a safe, firm, or protected manner

📖 Cultural Story

The word 'secure' originates from the Latin adjective 'securus', which combined 'se-' (without) and 'cura' (care, anxiety). It entered English via Old French 'seür'. Its core idea of being 'free from danger or fear' has remained central. In modern culture, it is a foundational term in cybersecurity, where professionals work to 'secure' networks and data from unauthorized access.

Meaning 2：obtain after effort (secure)

secure 🔊

/sɪˈkjʊər/

To get something you want after trying hard, like a job, a deal, or funding.

Secure definition of obtaining a contract through successful business agreement.

obtain after effort 🔊

➕

əbˈteɪn ˈæftər ˈefərt

This meaning refers to successfully getting or achieving something desirable, often through effort, negotiation, or competition. The focus is on the positive outcome of acquisition.

📁 Category：Social Economy 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

After three rounds of tough interviews, he finally managed to secure his dream job. 🔊 After three rounds of tough interviews, he finally managed to obtain his dream job after effort.

🔗 Collocations

secure funding – to successfully obtain money for a project or venture

secure a deal – to successfully finalize an agreement or contract

secure a position – to successfully obtain a job or role

🔄 Synonyms

acquire (v.) – to buy or obtain something for oneself

obtain (v.) – to get something, especially by effort or request

🚫 Antonyms

lose (v.) – to no longer have something; to fail to win or obtain