secrecy

[ see-kruh-see ]

noun

, plural se·cre·cies

1. the state or condition of being secret, hidden, or concealed:

   a meeting held in secrecy.

   Synonyms: covertness, confidentiality, stealth, privacy

2. the state of being apart from other people; privacy; seclusion.
3. ability to keep a secret.
4. the habit or characteristic of being secretive; reticence.
5. Archaic. something that is secret or mysterious:

   the secrecies of nature.

secrecy

/ ˈsiːkrɪsɪ /

noun

1. the state or quality of being secret
2. the state of keeping something secret
3. the ability or tendency to keep things secret

Other Words From

• anti·secre·cy adjective
• non·secre·cy noun plural nonsecrecies
• pro·secre·cy adjective
• semi·secre·cy noun
• super·secre·cy noun plural supersecrecies

Word History and Origins

Origin of secrecy¹

1375–1425; obsolete secre (< Middle French secré secret ) + -cy; replacing late Middle English secretee, equivalent to secre + -tee -ty ²

Example Sentences

The investigation into institutions for unmarried mothers in Northern Ireland has found some evidence that pregnant women and babies may have spent time in private nursing homes as a “measure of secrecy”.

From BBC

But much of the action takes place in ordinary rooms and pubs, often dimly lighted as befits a milieu cloaked in secrecy and insularity.

From Los Angeles Times

Some details of the case are unclear, such as whether the soldiers pleaded guilty, as the trial was held behind closed doors due to military secrecy, Russian media reported.

From BBC

And they want to ensure secrecy around how companies process old plastic and prevent states from setting more stringent regulations for the industry.

From Salon

That seems unlikely, although Georgia's opinion polls are unreliable and questions have been raised over the secrecy of the vote, despite a new electronic voting system.

From BBC

Related Words

• confidence
• confidentiality
• isolation
• mystery
• reticence
• silence
• solitude