secrecy

American  

[see-kruh-see] / ˈsi krə si /

noun

plural

secrecies

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

   a meeting held in secrecy.

   Synonyms:

   covertness, stealth, privacy, confidentiality

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 British  

/ 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 Word Forms

• antisecrecy adjective
• nonsecrecy noun
• prosecrecy adjective
• semisecrecy noun
• supersecrecy noun

Etymology

Origin of secrecy

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

Example Sentences

Mrs. Maroney might see through my disguise, Flora might recognize me by my walk, or any number of things could spoil the secrecy.

From Literature

This critical technology is subject to export controls, secrecy and is at the heart of a race for commercial and economic supremacy.

From BBC

As a former KGB officer, Russian President Vladimir Putin goes to great lengths to maintain secrecy about his movements, residence details or workspaces.

From The Wall Street Journal

Even crime in Orange County has been sensationalized and glamorized, with themes veneered by opulence, secrecy and illusions of suburban perfection.

From Los Angeles Times

This is another project currently shrouded in secrecy.

From BBC

Related Words

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