secret service

noun

1. the branch of governmental service that conducts secret investigations, especially investigations into the military strength of other nations.
2. (initial capital letters) the branch of the U.S. Department of the Treasury charged chiefly with the discovery and apprehension of counterfeiters and with providing protection for the president and the president's immediate family.
3. secret work for a government, especially espionage.

Secret Service

¹

noun

1. a US government agency responsible for the protection of the president, the suppression of counterfeiting, and certain other police activities

secret service

²

noun

1. a government agency or department that conducts intelligence or counterintelligence operations
2. such operations

Secret Service

1. A division of the United States Department of the Treasury , responsible for apprehending counterfeiters; investigating a variety of federal crimes; and protecting presidents and their families, presidential candidates, and foreign dignitaries visiting the United States.

Other Words From

• secret-service adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of secret service¹

First recorded in 1730–40

Example Sentences

A robotic dog named “Spot” made by Boston Dynamics is the latest tool in the arsenal of the US Secret Service.

From BBC

The Secret Service, which will take a lead role, called it “a huge undertaking” and costs are expected to be $1 billion to $2 billion.

From Los Angeles Times

Foreign dignitaries often paid top dollar to stay at the Trump International Hotel in D.C., as did Secret Service details protecting the then-president’s family.

From Salon

After being shot, Trump punched his fist into the air and mouthed the words "fight, fight, fight", before being hauled away by Secret Service agents.

From BBC

The vice president, who shares the residence with Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, comes here with some regularity, prompting the Secret Service to divert traffic, restrict parking and take other precautions designed to keep her safe.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• secret police