Main Entry: se·cu·ri·ty

Pronunciation: \si-ˈkyu̇r-ə-tē\

Function: noun

Inflected Form(s): plural se·cu·ri·ties

Date: 15th century

1 : the quality or state of being secure: as a : freedom from danger : safety b : freedom from fear or anxiety c : freedom from the prospect of being laid off <job security>
2 a : something given, deposited, or pledged to make certain the fulfillment of an obligation b : surety
3 : an instrument of investment in the form of a document (as a stock certificate or bond) providing evidence of its ownership
4 a : something that secures : protection b (1) : measures taken to guard against espionage or sabotage, crime, attack, or escape (2) : an organization or department whose task is security