security

[ si-kyoor-i-tee ]

noun

, plural se·cu·ri·ties.

1. freedom from danger, risk, etc.; safety.
2. freedom from care, anxiety, or doubt; well-founded confidence.

   Synonyms: positiveness, certainty, assurance

3. something that secures or makes safe; protection; defense.

   Synonyms: safety, safeguard

4. freedom from financial cares or from want:

   The insurance policy gave the family security.

5. precautions taken to guard against crime, attack, sabotage, espionage, etc.:

   claims that security was lax at the embassy;

   the importance of computer security to prevent hackers from gaining access.

6. a department or organization responsible for protection or safety:

   He called security when he spotted the intruder.

7. protection or precautions taken against escape; custody:

   The dangerous criminal was placed under maximum security.

8. an assurance; guarantee.
9. Law.
   1. something given or deposited as surety for the fulfillment of a promise or an obligation, the payment of a debt, etc.
   2. one who becomes surety for another.
10. an evidence of debt or of property, as a bond or a certificate of stock.
11. Usually securities. stocks and bonds.
12. Archaic. overconfidence; cockiness.

adjective

1. of, relating to, or serving as security:

   The company has instituted stricter security measures.

security

/ sɪˈkjʊərɪtɪ /

noun

1. the state of being secure
2. assured freedom from poverty or want

   he needs the security of a permanent job

3. a person or thing that secures, guarantees, etc
4. precautions taken to ensure against theft, espionage, etc

   the security in the government offices was not very good

5. often plural
   1. a certificate of creditorship or property carrying the right to receive interest or dividend, such as shares or bonds
   2. the financial asset represented by such a certificate
6. the specific asset that a creditor can claim title to in the event of default on an obligation
7. something given or pledged to secure the fulfilment of a promise or obligation
8. a person who undertakes to fulfil another person's obligation
9. the protection of data to ensure that only authorized personnel have access to computer files
10. archaic.
    carelessness or overconfidence

Other Words From

• nonse·curi·ty noun plural nonsecurities
• over·se·curi·ty noun
• self-se·curi·ty noun
• subse·curi·ty noun plural subsecurities

Word History and Origins

Origin of security¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English securytye, securite(e), from Latin sēcūritās; secure, -ity

Idioms and Phrases

In addition to the idiom beginning with security , also see lull into (false sense of security) .

Example Sentences

Maley is a researcher at the Biodesign Center for Biocomputing, Security and Society and professor with the School of Life Sciences at ASU.

From Science Daily

And the classified documents case presents probably the gravest violation of national security by a president, augmented by an extended and brazen campaign of obstruction of justice to impede the return of government property that Trump had no right to possess.

From Los Angeles Times

The report it produced, as the commission noted, was essential for historical understanding, preventing the spread of misinformation, reforming national security and readiness, and maintaining public confidence in government.

From Los Angeles Times

And even if they saw Trump’s deceptions for what they were, Matthews said, those inclined to support the GOP nominee — out of concern for inflation, border security or because they didn’t like Harris’ policies or her laugh — found plenty of reasons to excuse his hyperbole and outright lies.

From Los Angeles Times

Trump’s pick to lead the Pentagon, Fox News host Pete Hegseth, was one of 12 National Guard members removed from security duty for President Biden’s 2021 inauguration over his potential extremist ties.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bond
• care
• freedom
• guarantee
• insurance
• preservation
• surveillance