Secure vs. Safe — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Published on October 23, 2023
Secure is to free from danger or threats. Safe is to protected from or not exposed to danger or risk.
Difference Between Secure and Safe
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
In various contexts, "Secure" implies an active effort to make something resistant to threats. For instance, a system can be made Secure against hackers. Conversely, "Safe" often describes a passive state of being shielded from harm, like a Safe zone in a conflict area.
Fiza Rafique
Oct 23, 2023
Both Secure and Safe are terms used to describe a condition or state free from harm or danger. While "Secure" often denotes being free from potential threats or being firmly fixed in place, "Safe" typically means being protected from harm or not exposed to danger.
Fiza Rafique
Oct 23, 2023
When discussing objects or places, "Secure" suggests that it's tightly or properly fixed and won't easily move or be accessed. A Secure vault implies it's hard to breach. "Safe," on the other hand, might mean that the content within the vault is undamaged and unharmed.
Fiza Rafique
Oct 23, 2023
In terms of feelings, someone might feel Secure in a relationship, suggesting trust and stability. However, feeling Safe with someone usually means there's a lack of threat or harm when being with that person.
Fiza Rafique
Oct 23, 2023
In summary, while both terms indicate a level of protection, "Secure" leans more towards being fortified or defended actively, and "Safe" leans towards being free from harm or risk.
Fiza Rafique
Oct 23, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Primary Definition
Free from danger or threats.
Protected from or not exposed to danger.
Fiza Rafique
Oct 23, 2023
Implication
Actively guarded or fortified.
Passive state of being free from harm.
Fiza Rafique
Oct 23, 2023
Usage Context
Often in relation to systems, relationships, or fixed positions.
Typically concerning locations, feelings, or general well-being.
Fiza Rafique
Oct 23, 2023
Action Aspect
Indicates an effort to make resistant to threats.
Indicates inherent or granted protection.
Fiza Rafique
Oct 23, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Definitions
Secure
Protected against attack or other criminal activity.
The facility was made Secure with advanced surveillance systems.
Fiza Rafique
Oct 06, 2023
Safe
Denoting a play or movie that avoids controversy or risk.
The director chose a Safe topic for the film.
Fiza Rafique
Oct 06, 2023
Secure
Certain to remain safe and unthreatened.
The team secured a place in the finals.
Fiza Rafique
Oct 06, 2023
Safe
A strong fireproof cabinet with a complex lock, used for the storage of valuables.
All the contracts were stored in the Safe.
Fiza Rafique
Oct 06, 2023
Safe
A safe (also called a strongbox or coffer) is a secure lockable box used for securing valuable objects against theft and/or damage from fire. A safe is usually a hollow cuboid or cylinder, with one face being removable or hinged to form a door.
Fiza Rafique
Jun 11, 2021
Safe
Free from danger or injury; undamaged or unhurt
He returned from the voyage safe and sound.
Fiza Rafique
Jun 11, 2021
Secure
Free from the risk of being intercepted or listened to by unauthorized persons
Only one telephone line in the embassy was secure.
Fiza Rafique
Jun 11, 2021
Safe
Not exposed to the threat of danger or harm
The children were safe at home all through the storm.
Fiza Rafique
Jun 11, 2021
Safe
Usable in specified conditions without being damaged. Often used in combination
A microwave safe container.
Fiza Rafique
Jun 11, 2021
Safe
(Baseball) Having reached a base without being put out, as a batter or base runner.
Fiza Rafique
Jun 11, 2021
Secure
Assured; certain
With three goals in the first period they had a secure victory, but somehow they lost.
Fiza Rafique
Jun 11, 2021
Safe
A repository for protecting stored items, especially a cooled compartment for perishable foods
A cheese safe.
Fiza Rafique
Jun 11, 2021
Secure
To guard from danger or risk of loss
The troops secured the area before the civilians were allowed to return.
Fiza Rafique
Jun 11, 2021
Secure
To make certain; ensure
The speaker could not secure the goodwill of the audience.
Fiza Rafique
Jun 11, 2021
Safe
Providing protection from danger; providing shelter.
We have to find a safe spot, where we can hide out until this is over.
Fiza Rafique
Jun 11, 2021
Safe
(baseball) When a batter successfully reaches first base, or when a baserunner successfully advances to the next base or returns to the base he last occupied; not out.
The pitcher attempted to pick off the runner at first, but he was safe.
Fiza Rafique
Jun 11, 2021
Safe
Great, cool, awesome, respectable; a term of approbation, often as interjection.
Fiza Rafique
Jun 11, 2021
Secure
To protect or ensure the privacy or secrecy of (a telephone line, for example).
Fiza Rafique
Jun 11, 2021
Secure
Free from the risk of eavesdropping, interception or discovery; secret.
Fiza Rafique
Jun 11, 2021
Safe
(programming) Of a programming language, type-safe or more generally offering well-defined behavior despite programming errors.
Fiza Rafique
Jun 11, 2021
Safe
A box, usually made of metal, in which valuables can be locked for safekeeping.
Fiza Rafique
Jun 11, 2021
Safe
(dated) A ventilated or refrigerated chest or closet for securing provisions from noxious animals or insects.
Fiza Rafique
Jun 11, 2021
Secure
Confident in opinion; not entertaining, or not having reason to entertain, doubt; certain; sure; commonly used with of.
Secure of a welcome
Fiza Rafique
Jun 11, 2021
Secure
Certain to be achieved or gained; assured.
Just when victory seemed secure, they let it slip from their grasp.
Fiza Rafique
Jun 11, 2021
Safe
Free from harm, injury, or risk; untouched or unthreatened by danger or injury; unharmed; unhurt; secure; whole; as, safe from disease; safe from storms; safe from foes.
They escaped all safe to land.
Established in a safe, unenvied throne.
Fiza Rafique
Jun 11, 2021
Secure
To make safe; to relieve from apprehensions of, or exposure to, danger; to guard; to protect.
Fiza Rafique
Jun 11, 2021
Safe
Conferring safety; securing from harm; not exposing to danger; confining securely; to be relied upon; not dangerous; as, a safe harbor; a safe bridge, etc.
The King of heaven hath doomedThis place our dungeon, not our safe retreat.
Fiza Rafique
Jun 11, 2021
Secure
To put beyond hazard of losing or of not receiving; to make certain; to assure; frequently with against or from, or formerly with of.
To secure a creditor against loss; to secure a debt by a mortgage
Fiza Rafique
Jun 11, 2021
Safe
Incapable of doing harm; no longer dangerous; in secure care or custody; as, the prisoner is safe.
But Banquo's safe?Ay, my good lord, safe in a ditch he bides.
Fiza Rafique
Jun 11, 2021
Secure
To make fast; to close or confine effectually; to render incapable of getting loose or escaping.
To secure a prisoner; to secure a door, or the hatches of a ship
Fiza Rafique
Jun 11, 2021
Secure
To get possession of; to make oneself secure of; to acquire certainly.
To secure an estate
Fiza Rafique
Jun 11, 2021
Secure
Free from fear, care, or anxiety; easy in mind; not feeling suspicion or distrust; confident.
But thou, secure of soul, unbent with woes.
Fiza Rafique
Jun 11, 2021
Safe
A ventilated or refrigerated cupboard for securing provisions from pests
Fiza Rafique
Jun 11, 2021
Safe
Contraceptive device consisting of a thin rubber or latex sheath worn over the penis during intercourse
Fiza Rafique
Jun 11, 2021
Secure
Confident in opinion; not entertaining, or not having reason to entertain, doubt; certain; sure; - commonly with of; as, secure of a welcome.
Confidence then bore thee on, secureEither to meet no danger, or to findMatter of glorious trial.
Fiza Rafique
Jun 11, 2021
Safe
Free from danger or the risk of harm;
A safe trip
You will be safe here
A safe place
A safe bet
Fiza Rafique
Jun 11, 2021
Secure
Not exposed to danger; safe; - applied to persons and things, and followed by against or from.
Fiza Rafique
Jun 11, 2021
Secure
To make safe; to relieve from apprehensions of, or exposure to, danger; to guard; to protect.
I spread a cloud before the victor's sight,Sustained the vanquished, and secured his flight.
Fiza Rafique
Jun 11, 2021
Safe
Having reached a base without being put out;
The runner was called safe when the baseman dropped the ball
Fiza Rafique
Jun 11, 2021
Secure
To put beyond hazard of losing or of not receiving; to make certain; to assure; to insure; - frequently with against or from, rarely with of; as, to secure a creditor against loss; to secure a debt by a mortgage.
It secures its possessor of eternal happiness.
Fiza Rafique
Jun 11, 2021
Secure
To make fast; to close or confine effectually; to render incapable of getting loose or escaping; as, to secure a prisoner; to secure a door, or the hatches of a ship.
Fiza Rafique
Jun 11, 2021
Secure
To get possession of; to make one's self secure of; to acquire certainly; as, to secure an estate.
Fiza Rafique
Jun 11, 2021
Safe
Protected from or not exposed to danger or risk.
He was kept in a Safe location.
Fiza Rafique
Oct 06, 2023
Secure
Get by special effort;
He procured extra cigarettes even though they were rationed
Fiza Rafique
Jun 11, 2021
Safe
Not likely to cause or lead to harm or injury.
The equipment is Safe to use.
Fiza Rafique
Oct 06, 2023
Secure
Cause to be firmly attached;
Fasten the lock onto the door
She fixed her gaze on the man
Fiza Rafique
Jun 11, 2021
Safe
Based on good reasons or evidence and unlikely to be affected by doubt.
It's a Safe assumption that he'll come.
Fiza Rafique
Oct 06, 2023
Secure
Make certain of;
This nest egg will ensure a nice retirement for us
Preparation will guarantee success!
Fiza Rafique
Jun 11, 2021
Secure
Fill or close tightly with or as if with a plug;
Plug the hole
Stop up the leak
Fiza Rafique
Jun 11, 2021
Secure
Free from fear or doubt; easy in mind;
Secure himself, he went out of his way to help others
Fiza Rafique
Jun 11, 2021
Secure
Free from danger or risk;
Secure from harm
His fortune was secure
Made a secure place for himself in his field
Fiza Rafique
Jun 11, 2021
Secure
Kept safe or defended from danger or injury or loss;
The most protected spot I could find
Fiza Rafique
Jun 11, 2021
Secure
Not likely to fail or give way;
The lock was secure
A secure foundation
A secure hold on her wrist
Fiza Rafique
Jun 11, 2021
Secure
Able to withstand attack;
An impregnable fortress
Fortifications that made the frontier inviolable
Fiza Rafique
Jun 11, 2021
Secure
Fixed or fastened so as not to give way, become loose, or be lost.
Ensure the door is Secure before leaving.
Fiza Rafique
Oct 06, 2023
Secure
Feeling safe, stable, and free from fear or anxiety.
She felt Secure in her new job.
Fiza Rafique
Oct 06, 2023
Secure
Obtaining or achieving something, especially with effort.
He managed to Secure a loan from the bank.
Fiza Rafique
Oct 06, 2023
FAQs
How does one feel Secure in a relationship?
Feeling Secure in a relationship usually implies trust, stability, and freedom from doubt or fear.
Fiza Rafique
Oct 23, 2023
Are the words Secure and Safe interchangeable?
While related, they aren't always interchangeable due to their nuanced differences.
Fiza Rafique
Oct 23, 2023
How does Secure browsing work?
Secure browsing, like using HTTPS, encrypts data to ensure user information remains Safe and private.
Fiza Rafique
Oct 23, 2023
What's a Safe distance to keep from wild animals?
A Safe distance ensures one isn't at risk of harm or attack from the animal.
Fiza Rafique
Oct 23, 2023
How can I ensure my home is Safe?
Installing security systems, locks, and taking precautions can make a home Safe from threats.
Fiza Rafique
Oct 23, 2023
Can software be Secure?
Yes, software can be Secure if it's protected against threats like malware or hacking.
Fiza Rafique
Oct 23, 2023
Can a job be Secure but not Safe?
Yes, one might have job security (Secure) but face risks like health hazards in the workplace (not Safe).
Fiza Rafique
Oct 23, 2023
Does a Secure investment always mean it's a Safe investment?
Not necessarily. Secure might mean it's protected, but it doesn't guarantee it's free from financial risk.
Fiza Rafique
Oct 23, 2023
Can a place be Secure but not Safe?
Yes, a place might be well-guarded (Secure) but still have inherent dangers, making it not Safe.
Fiza Rafique
Oct 23, 2023
Why is it important for children to feel Safe and Secure?
It fosters a conducive environment for growth, learning, and mental well-being.
Fiza Rafique
Oct 23, 2023
Are Safe spaces free from judgment?
Typically, Safe spaces are environments where individuals feel Secure expressing themselves without fear of judgment or harm.
Fiza Rafique
Oct 23, 2023
Why might someone not feel Secure even if they're Safe?
Past traumas, anxiety, or perceived threats might make someone feel insecure despite being in a Safe environment.
Fiza Rafique
Oct 23, 2023
Can a Safe be Secure?
Yes, a Safe (storage for valuables) can be Secure if it's hard to breach or access.
Fiza Rafique
Oct 23, 2023
How do Safe practices contribute to a Secure environment?
Safe practices ensure that potential threats are minimized, contributing to a more Secure environment overall.
Fiza Rafique
Oct 23, 2023
Author Spotlight
Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content editor at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
