security blanket

noun

|Updated on: 30 May 2018

Definition of security blanket

1 : a blanket carried by a child as a protection against anxiety

2 : a usually familiar object whose presence dispels anxiety

See security blanket defined for English-language learners

Recent Examples of security blanket from the Web

Today, virtually every arena artist uses a teleprompter as a security blanket.

— jonathan takiff, Philly.com, "The mob ticket heist that may have produced an incredible Frank Sinatra show at the Spectrum," 3 May 2018
The cast members here capture that monotony, to which their characters cling like a security blanket.

— ben brantley, New York Times, "Review: In an Energized ‘Iceman,’ the Drinks are on Denzel," 26 Apr. 2018
Learning Lovey, $27.95 This sensory stimulating security blanket comes in a variety of patterns like Harry Potter, animals, the jungle, mermaids and unicorns.

— amy schwabe, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "50 top holiday gifts for kids (and adults), recommended by local, independent toy stores," 7 Dec. 2017
Hela destroys Thor’s hammer, which is the space-god equivalent of setting fire to your little brother’s security blanket.

— eliana dockterman, Time, "Avengers: Infinity War Is Almost Here. Here’s What to Know About the Marvel Cinematic Universe Before You Go," 23 Apr. 2018
This official explained that Kelly initially viewed his job as babysitting, but now feels less of a need to be omnipresent, while Trump, who once considered Kelly a security blanket, feels increasingly emboldened to act alone.

— washington post, BostonGlobe.com, "John Kelly: Is White House chief of staff on the outside looking in?," 9 Apr. 2018
Ryan Tannehill also needed a new security blanket after the team didn’t bring back Jarvis Landry.

— dave hyde, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Hyde: Draftniks rate Dolphins' Day 2 picks of Gesicki, Baker," 28 Apr. 2018
Gary Cohn, his chief economic adviser, and Hope Hicks, his communications director and human security blanket, had recently tendered their resignations.

— charles homans, New York Times, "The Post-Campaign Campaign of Donald Trump," 9 Apr. 2018
But newer members, who may never have served under a speaker other than Ryan, had grown to see him as a kind of political security blanket, King said.

— jonathan martin and alexander burns, BostonGlobe.com, "Ryan will retire, scattering hopes of GOP for 2018," 12 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'security blanket.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of security blanket

1954

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

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SECURITY BLANKET Defined for English Language Learners

security blanket

noun

Definition of security blanket for English Language Learners

: a blanket that is carried by a child because it makes the child feel safe

Medical Dictionary

security blanket

noun

medical Definition of security blanket

: a blanket carried by a child as a protection against anxiety

Seen and Heard

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security blanket

Definition of security blanket

Recent Examples of security blanket from the Web

First Known Use of security blanket

SECURITY BLANKET Defined for English Language Learners

security blanket

Definition of security blanket for English Language Learners

Medical Dictionary

security blanket

medical Definition of security blanket

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security blanket

Definition of security blanket

Recent Examples of security blanket from the Web

First Known Use of security blanket

SECURITY BLANKET Defined for English Language Learners

security blanket

Definition of security blanket for English Language Learners

Medical Dictionary

security blanket

medical Definition of security blanket

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