Definition of "secret" in English

noun

1. (countable) A piece of knowledge that is hidden and intended to be kept hidden.

   • "Can you keep a secret?" "Yes." "So can I."
   • To tell our own secrets is generally folly, but that folly is without guilt; to communicate those with which we are intrusted is always treachery

2. The key or principle by which something is made clear; the knack.

   • The secret to a long-lasting marriage is compromise.

3. Something not understood or known.

4. (uncountable) Private seclusion.

   • The work was done in secret, so that nobody could object.

5. (archaic, in the plural) The genital organs.

6. (historical) A form of steel skullcap.

7. (Christianity, often in the plural) Any prayer spoken inaudibly and not aloud; especially, one of the prayers in the Tridentine Mass, immediately following the "orate, fratres", said inaudibly by the celebrant.

verb

1. (transitive, rare) To make or keep secret.

   • … she would unfold the silk, press it with a smooth wooden block that she'd heated in the oven, and then once more secret it away.
   • 1986, InfoWorld, InfoWorld Media Group, Inc. Diskless workstations … make it difficult for individuals to copy information … onto a diskette and secret it away.
   • To prevent the elixir from reaching mankind and thereby upsetting the balance of the universe, two gods secret it away.

2. (transitive, rare) To hide secretly.

adjective

1. Being or kept hidden.

   • We went down a secret passage.

2. (obsolete) Withdrawn from general intercourse or notice; in retirement or secrecy; secluded.

3. (obsolete) Faithful to a secret; not inclined to divulge or betray confidence; secretive, separate, apart.

4. (obsolete) Separate; distinct.