TOP

Definition of secrecy noun from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

secrecy

noun
 
/ˈsiːkrəsi/
 
/ˈsiːkrəsi/
[uncountable]
jump to other results
  1. the fact of making sure that nothing is known about something; the state of being secret
    • the need for absolute secrecy in this matter
    • Everyone involved was sworn to secrecy.
    • The whole affair is still shrouded in secrecy.
    Extra Examples
    • The drugs squad operates in the greatest secrecy.
    • The organization has managed to maintain secrecy about its activities.
    • The Ministry of Defence must answer for its culture of secrecy.
    Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective
    • absolute
    • complete
    • total
    • …
    verb + secrecy
    • maintain
    • be cloaked in
    • be shrouded in
    • …
    secrecy + verb
    • surround something
    preposition
    • in secrecy
    • secrecy  about
    phrases
    • a blanket of secrecy
    • a cloak of secrecy
    • a veil of secrecy
    • …
    See full entry
    Word Originlate Middle English: from secret, probably on the pattern of privacy.
See secrecy in the Oxford Advanced American DictionarySee secrecy in the Oxford Learner's Dictionary of Academic English
Check pronunciation: secrecy

Nearby words

hide-and-seek
noun
 
 
From the Topic
Games and toys
C2
Oxford Learner's Dictionaries Word of the Day