security — English Dictionary

Noun

1. The condition of not being threatened, especially physically, psychologically, emotionally, or financially.

   Usage

   • Uncountable

   Examples

   Chad always carries a gun for his own security.

   The pink blanket gives little Mary lots of security.

   More examples (3)

   Give up yourself merely to chance and hazard, / From firm security.

   Was there no way to provide for the Safety of Britain, or the Security for its Trade, but by the French Kings turning his own Arms to beat his Grandſon out of Spain?

   An earthly paradise, where, free from care and toil, they could live on the sweet fruits of a delightful garden, and where birds and beasts frisked about them in fearless security.

2. Something that secures.

   Usage

   • Countable

3. An organization or department responsible for providing security by enforcing laws, rules, and regulations as well as maintaining order.

   Usage

   • Countable
   • Uncountable

   Examples

   Pamela works in security.

   […] Going through security I held her for so long / She finally looked at me in love and she was gone

   More examples (2)

   The threat of terrorism to the British lies in the overreaction to it of British governments. Each one in turn clicks up the ratchet of surveillance, intrusion and security. Each one diminishes liberty.

   From the ground, Colombo’s port does not look like much. Those entering it are greeted by wire fences, walls dating back to colonial times and security posts. For mariners leaving the port after lonely nights on the high seas, the delights of the B52 Night Club and Stallion Pub lie a stumble away.

4. Something that secures the fulfillment of an obligation or law.

   Usage

   • Countable
   • Uncountable

5. Freedom from apprehension.

   Usage

   • Countable
   • Uncountable

6. A tradeable financial asset, such as a share of stock or any of various classes of bond.

   Usage

   • Countable
   • in-plural
   • often
   • Uncountable

   Broader terms

   financial assetasset

7. Proof of ownership of stocks, bonds or other investment instruments.

   Usage

   • Countable
   • Uncountable

8. Property etc. temporarily relinquished to guarantee repayment of a loan.

   Usage

   • Countable
   • Uncountable

   Synonyms

   collateral

   Examples

   Near-synonym: collateral

9. A guarantee.

   Usage

   • Countable
   • Uncountable

   Examples

   More examples (1)

   As to Perſons of Quality, they give Security to appropriate a certain Sum for each Child, ſuitable to their Condition; and theſe Funds are always managed with good Husbandry and the moſt exact Juſtice.

   Those who lent him money lent it on no security but his bare word.

10. Carelessness; negligence.

    Usage

    • Countable
    • Obsolete
    • Uncountable

    Examples

    He means, my lord, that we are too remiss, Whilst Bolingbroke, through our security, Grows strong and great in substance and in power.

Noun

1. the state of being free from danger or injury

   Antonyms

   insecurity

   Broader terms

   safety

   Examples

   we support the armed services in the name of national security

2. defense against financial failure; financial independence

   Synonyms

   protection

   Broader terms

   assets

   Examples

   his pension gave him security in his old age

   insurance provided protection against loss of wages due to illness

3. freedom from anxiety or fear

   Broader terms

   fearlessnessbravery

   Examples

   the watch dog gave her a feeling of security

4. a formal declaration that documents a fact of relevance to finance and investment; the holder has a right to receive interest or dividends

   Synonyms

   certificate

   Broader terms

   legal documentlegal instrumentofficial documentinstrument

   Examples

   he held several valuable securities

5. property that your creditor can claim in case you default on your obligation

   Synonyms

   surety

   Broader terms

   transferred propertytransferred possession

   Examples

   bankers are reluctant to lend without good security

6. a department responsible for the security of the institution's property and workers

   Synonyms

   security department

   Broader terms

   departmentsection

   Examples

   the head of security was a former policeman

7. a guarantee that an obligation will be met

   Synonyms

   surety

   Broader terms

   guaranteewarrantwarranteewarranty

8. an electrical device that sets off an alarm when someone tries to break in

   Synonyms

   security systemsecurity measure

   Broader terms

   electrical device

9. measures taken as a precaution against theft or espionage or sabotage etc.

   Synonyms

   security measures

   Broader terms

   precautionsafeguardguard

   Examples

   military security has been stepped up since the recent uprising