n.
Pronunciation: ' s ē -kr ə t
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French secré, secret, from Latin secretus, from past participle of secernere to separate, distinguish, from se- apart + cernere to sift ― more at SECEDE , CERTAIN
Date: 14th century
1 a : kept from knowledge or view : HIDDEN b : marked by the habit of discretion : CLOSEMOUTHED c : working with hidden aims or methods : UNDERCOVER <a secret agent> d : not acknowledged : UNAVOWED <a secret bride> e : conducted in secret <a secret trial>
2 : remote from human frequentation or notice : SECLUDED
3 : revealed only to the initiated : ESOTERIC
4 : designed to elude observation or detection <a secret panel>
5 : containing information whose unauthorized disclosure could endanger national security ― compare CONFIDENTIAL , TOP SECRET
– se · cret · ly adverb
synonyms SECRET , COVERT , STEALTHY , FURTIVE , CLANDESTINE , SURREPTITIOUS , UNDERHANDED mean done without attracting observation. SECRET implies concealment on any grounds for any motive <met at a secret location>. COVERT stresses the fact of not being open or declared < covert intelligence operations>. STEALTHY suggests taking pains to avoid being seen or heard especially in some misdoing <the stealthy step of a burglar>. FURTIVE implies a sly or cautious stealthiness <lovers exchanging furtive glances>. CLANDESTINE implies secrecy usually for an evil, illicit, or unauthorized purpose and often emphasizes the fear of being discovered <a clandestine meeting of conspirators>. SURREPTITIOUS applies to action or behavior done secretly often with skillful avoidance of detection and in violation of custom, law, or authority <the surreptitious stockpiling of weapons>. UNDERHANDED stresses fraud or deception <an underhanded trick>.