Etymology Map
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Secure

2 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means fixed firmly; protected

Where does the word "secure" come from? It comes from Latin securus, adopted directly into English (1500s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
securus
Latin · ancient
"free from care"
'se-', without, plus 'cura', care
2
Stage 2 of 2
secure
English · 1500s
"free from care"
borrowed straight from Latin, while its twin 'sure' came through French; computer 'security' dates from the 1960s
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Read the full story

Secure’s story begins in Latin: securus meant “free from care.” 'se-', without, plus 'cura', care. It reached English by 1500s as secure. Borrowed straight from Latin, while its twin 'sure' came through French; computer 'security' dates from the 1960s. Today, secure means fixed firmly; protected.