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

Wang, who pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy to commit commodities fraud and conspiracy to commit securities fraud, apologized Wednesday in court.

From Salon

Ms Riley's name became a rallying cry for conservatives as border security emerged as a defining issue in the White House race.

From BBC

Dame Angela, the minister for asylum and border security, said the government was continuing to identify alternative accommodation.

From BBC

Instead of looking for a multi-year deal that could provide security at the uncertain position, Dobbins signed a one-year contract with the Chargers.

From Los Angeles Times

No one who works with migrants, no one who works on border security, would ever say the sort of words or phrases routinely in political slogans: “stop the boats” or “smash the gangs”.

From BBC

Related Words

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