Secured Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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secured

[sɪˈkjʊərd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

data security

Protected against unauthorized access or use.

Synonyms

guarded, protected, safe.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
secured

Can also mean to fasten or tie down something to prevent it from moving or being lost.

  • She secured the rope to the tree
  • He secured his bike to the rack with a lock
protected

Indicates that something is kept safe from harm, damage, or loss, usually through various methods such as policies, physical barriers, or other protective measures.

  • The wildlife sanctuary is protected by environmental laws
  • Children need to be protected from online dangers
safe

Refers to a state where there is no danger, risk, or harm present or expected, commonly used to indicate well-being.

  • She felt safe staying at home during the storm
  • Make sure the children are safe when crossing the street
guarded

Implies that something is being actively monitored or watched over by people, often to prevent harm or unauthorized access.

  • The VIP area was heavily guarded
  • The prison is guarded by armed officers

Examples of usage

  • The website uses secured connections to ensure data security.
  • All transactions are secured with encryption technology.
Context #2 | Verb

secured a loan

To guarantee or obtain something, typically through effort or a financial arrangement.

Synonyms

acquire, attain, obtain.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
secured

Used when you want to convey that you have made something safe or guaranteed it, often implying a sense of protection or safeguarding.

  • She secured the house by locking all the doors and windows.
  • We have secured enough funding for the project.
obtain

Commonly used when you manage to get something through request, effort, or as a result of a process. It is similar to 'acquire' but generally used more formally.

  • To obtain a visa, you need to submit multiple forms.
  • We obtained the necessary permits for the event.
acquire

Appropriate when referring to getting or gaining possession of something, usually through effort or time. It can be used for both tangible and intangible things.

  • Over the years, he has acquired a large collection of stamps.
  • She acquired new skills during the training program.
attain

Best used when achieving something significant, often a goal, status, or level of performance that requires considerable effort.

  • He attained a high level of proficiency in chess after years of practice.
  • The company attained its annual sales target ahead of schedule.

Examples of usage

  • He secured a loan to start his business.
  • She secured a scholarship to study abroad.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Technology

  • In the digital world, when information is secured, it's protected by encryption to keep it safe from hackers.
  • Websites using HTTPS ensure that data sent between your browser and the site is secured and private.

Psychology

  • Feeling secured can lead to lower stress levels, as a safe environment promotes mental well-being.
  • Attachment theory suggests that a 'secured' attachment in childhood fosters trust and emotional stability later in life.

Finance

  • In finance, a 'secured loan' refers to a loan backed by collateral, such as a house or car, to protect the lender.
  • Investors often prefer secured investments, as they have less risk compared to unsecured ones.

Law

  • In legal terms, a secured transaction refers to an agreement that protects the lender's interests in case the borrower defaults.
  • Secured creditors have priority over unsecured creditors in bankruptcy proceedings, ensuring they get paid first.

Origin of 'secured'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'securus', which means 'free from care or fear'.
  • Old French had a similar word 'secur', which also meant safe or protected, influencing English in the 15th century.

The word 'secured' originated from the Latin word 'securus', meaning 'free from care'. Over time, the term evolved to encompass the idea of protection and safety. In modern usage, 'secured' is commonly associated with ensuring safety and guaranteeing access control.


See also: insecure, insecurity, securely, secureness, securing, security, unsecured.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,068, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.