to fasten or tie something firmly so it will not move, fall, or be taken
She secured the rope to a tree before climbing down.
Please secure your seat belt.
to protect something so it is safe from danger, attack, or loss
Soldiers secured the area before civilians arrived.
The company is upgrading software to secure customer data.
to get or achieve something, especially after effort
She finally secured a scholarship to the university.
The team secured first place in the tournament.
lacking confidence in one's own abilities, worth, or appearance; feeling anxious or uncertain about oneself
"I feel so insecure about speaking in public," the young man admitted.
She became insecure after her friends started dating.
✦ From early 17th century English, borrowed from Latin insēcūrus, equivalent to in- (‘not’) + sēcūrus (‘secure, free from care’).
not safe or protected from danger, loss, or attack
The old bridge felt insecure during the storm.
"This building has an insecure door," the security guard warned.
not firmly fixed or fastened; shaky or loose
The loose shelf was insecure and fell down.
"This ladder seems insecure; be careful," she said.
