top-secret

[top-see-krit]

adjective

1. bearing the classification top-secret, the highest level of classified information.

2. limited to persons authorized to use anything so classified.

top-secret

adjective

1. containing information whose disclosure would cause exceedingly grave damage to the nation and therefore classified as needing the highest level of secrecy and security

Word History and Origins

Origin of top-secret¹

First recorded in 1940–45; top ¹ + secret