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

His theory is that Silverview’s portrayal of the secret service as fragmented and directionless hit too close to home for his father’s comfort, especially as a former employee himself.

From Time

Henri Paul actually worked for the French Secret Service and he had €200,000 in his account when he only earned €30,000 a year.

From The Daily Beast

Only five African-American females hold a rank higher than GS-14 within the Secret Service.

From The Daily Beast

One with a toned figure, black suit and dark sunglasses looks more like a US Secret Service agent than a financier.

From The Daily Beast

The city relented, but the mayor asked the Secret Service to formally request the closure in a letter that could be made public.

From The Daily Beast

Site agents and shift agents have the hardest jobs in the Secret Service.

From The Daily Beast

It was important that Henri receive certain reports, and already the hotel whispered that Henri was of the secret service.

From Project Gutenberg

In the early days of the war the work of the secret service at the Front was of the gravest importance.

From Project Gutenberg

"Studd Bradley and his secret-service corps have got their eyes on this street—and on you," returned Sibley dryly.

From Project Gutenberg

Of course, one Secret Service man does not know who else is in the service.

From Project Gutenberg

Secret Service men—they can tell if your great-grandfather was German.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• secret police