[se.cure] adj se.cur.er ; -est [L securus safe, secure, fr. se without + cura care--more at suicide] (ca. 1533) 1 a archaic: unwisely free from fear or distrust: overconfident b: easy in mind: confident c: assured in opinion or expectation: having no doubt
2. a: free from danger b: free from risk of loss c: affording safety: inviolable "a ~ hideaway" d: trustworthy, dependable "~ foundation"
3: assured, certain "~ victory" -- se.cure.ly adv -- se.cure.ness n
[2]secure vb se.cured ; se.cur.ing vt (1593) 1 a: to relieve from exposure to danger: act to make safe against adverse contingencies "~ a supply line from enemy raids" b: to put beyond hazard of losing or of not receiving: guarantee "~ the blessings of liberty --U.S. Constitution" c: to give pledge of payment to (a creditor) or of (an obligation) "~ a note by a pledge of collateral"
2. a: to take (a person) into custody: hold fast: pinion b: to make fast: seal "~ a door" 3 a: to get secure usu. lasting possession or control of "~ a job" b: bring about, effect
4: to release (naval personnel) from work or duty ~ vi 1 of naval personnel: to stop work: go off duty
2. of a ship: to tie up: berth syn see ensure -- se.cur.er n