security

se·cu·ri·ty

noun \si-ˈkyu̇r-ə-tē\

plural se·cu·ri·ties

Definition of SECURITY

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

Examples of SECURITY

1. We must insure our national security.
2. The college failed to provide adequate security on campus after dark.
3. There was a lapse in security and the inmates escaped.
4. We have to go through security at the airport.
5. We called security when we found the door open.
6. The meeting was held under tight security.
7. The prisoner was being kept under maximum security.
8. I like the security of knowing there will be someone there to help me when I need help.
9. Growing up in a close family gave her a sense of security.

First Known Use of SECURITY

15th century

Related to SECURITY

Synonyms: aegis (also egis), ammunition, armor, buckler, cover, guard, protection, safeguard, screen, defense, shield, wall, ward

Antonyms: danger, distress, endangerment, imperilment, jeopardy, peril, trouble

Related Words: arm, armament, munitions, weapon, weaponry; fastness, fort, fortress, palisade, stronghold

Near Antonyms: aggression, assault, attack, offense (or offence), offensive

see all synonyms and antonyms

[+]more[-]hide

Rhymes with SECURITY

futurity, impurity, maturity, obscurity

Britannica.com

Learn more about "security" and related topics at Britannica.com