secure

/si-ˈkyu̇r/

Latin securus safe, secure, from se without + cura care

adjective

  1. free from danger

  2. affording safety

  3. trustworthy, dependable

a secure hideaway

verb

  1. to relieve from exposure to danger : act to make safe against adverse contingencies

  2. to put beyond hazard of losing or of not receiving : guarantee

  3. to give pledge of payment to (a creditor) or of (an obligation)

secure a supply line from enemy raids

secure the blessings of liberty

ensure insure assure secure mean to make a thing or person sure. ensure insure, and assure are interchangeable in many contexts where they indicate the making certain or inevitable of an outcome, but ensure may imply a virtual guarantee , while insure sometimes stresses the taking of necessary measures beforehand

adjective

  1. able to consistently access or afford adequate food

A food-secure household is not simply fed—it is free from the fear of hunger and not forced into unthinkable options (heat or eat) or short-sighted decisions (cheap, quick calories versus more nourishing choices).