false sense of security
noun phrase
: a feeling of being safer than one really is
The gun gave him a false sense of security.
Examples of false sense of security in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The Smokies’ proximity to cities creates a false sense of security.
—
Paige Williams, New Yorker, 12 Jan. 2026
In a letter, interim superintendent Justin Hunt blamed, in part, the influx of COVID-19 relief funds for giving the school a false sense of security.
—Jennifer Palmer, Oklahoma Watch, 9 Jan. 2026
Studies show that improper or extended use of gloves can actually lead to higher levels of bacterial contamination on gloves than on bare hands, because microbes can accumulate under gloves and give a false sense of security if they aren’t changed regularly.
—Evan Moore
december 19, Charlotte Observer, 19 Dec. 2025
The deep horror here is environmental, and this is a perfect example of slow, atmospheric mood-setting that lulls you into a false sense of security.
—Literary Hub, 5 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for false sense of security
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Paige Williams, New Yorker, 12 Jan. 2026
In a letter, interim superintendent Justin Hunt blamed, in part, the influx of COVID-19 relief funds for giving the school a false sense of security.
—Jennifer Palmer, Oklahoma Watch, 9 Jan. 2026
Studies show that improper or extended use of gloves can actually lead to higher levels of bacterial contamination on gloves than on bare hands, because microbes can accumulate under gloves and give a false sense of security if they aren’t changed regularly.
—Evan Moore
december 19, Charlotte Observer, 19 Dec. 2025
The deep horror here is environmental, and this is a perfect example of slow, atmospheric mood-setting that lulls you into a false sense of security.
—Literary Hub, 5 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for false sense of security
Cite this Entry
“False sense of security.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/false%20sense%20of%20security. Accessed 18 Jan. 2026.
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