(~s, securing, ~d)
Frequency: The word is one of the 1500 most common words in English.
1.
If you ~ something that you want or need, you obtain it, often after a lot of effort. (FORMAL)
Federal leaders continued their efforts to ~ a ceasefire...
Graham’s achievements helped ~ him the job.
VERB: V n, V n n, also V n for n
2.
If you ~ a place, you make it safe from harm or attack. (FORMAL)
Staff withdrew from the main part of the prison but ~d the perimeter...
VERB: V n
3.
A ~ place is tightly locked or well protected, so that people cannot enter it or leave it.
We shall make sure our home is as ~ as possible from now on.
ADJ
~ly
He locked the heavy door ~ly and kept the key in his pocket.
ADV: usu ADV with v
4.
If you ~ an object, you fasten it firmly to another object.
He helped her close the cases up, and then he ~d the canvas straps as tight as they would go...
VERB: V n
5.
If an object is ~, it is fixed firmly in position.
Check joints are ~ and the wood is sound...
ADJ: usu v-link ADJ
~ly
Ensure that the frame is ~ly fixed to the ground with bolts...
ADV: ADV with v
6.
If you describe something such as a job as ~, it is certain not to change or end.
...trade union demands for ~ wages and employment...
...the failure of financial institutions once thought to be ~.
ADJ
7.
A ~ base or foundation is strong and reliable.
He was determined to give his family a ~ and solid base.
ADJ: usu ADJ n
8.
If you feel ~, you feel safe and happy and are not worried about life.
She felt ~ and protected when she was with him...
ADJ: usu v-link ADJ
9.
If a loan is ~d, the person who lends the money may take property such as a house from the person who borrows the money if they fail to repay it. (BUSINESS)
The loan is ~d against your home...
His main task is to raise enough finance to repay ~d loans.
VERB: usu passive, be V-ed adv/prep, V-ed