security

noun

suh-KYOR-i-tee/səˈkjɔɹ.ɪˌti/UKsi-KYOOR-uh-tee/sɪˈkjʊəɹəti/

Pluralsecurities (some meanings)

9 meanings of security

Practice

1
protection measuresnoununcountable
The steps taken to keep a person, building, country, or computer safe from attack, theft, or spying.
Security at the airport was very tight after the bomb threat.
The school added more security, like cameras and locked doors.
UsageSay security is tight, or tighten security. One step is a security measure.
Similarprotection
2
protected statenoununcountable
The state of being safe and protected from danger, harm, or loss.
Like the warm, safe feeling of being tucked into bed at home.
A steady job gave her family real financial security.
Children need love and security to grow up happy.
UsageOften in job security and financial security. You do something for your own security.
Similarsafety, stability
Oppositeinsecurity, danger, vulnerability, instability
Note
3
guardsnoununcountable
The team of people whose job is to keep a place safe and keep order.
Like the guards who watch over a building and keep everyone safe.
Hotel security asked the noisy guests to leave.
She called security when she saw the broken window.
UsageSay call security or work in security, with no a or the before it.
Similarguards
Note
4
investmentnouncountableplural
A share, bond, or similar thing that people buy and sell to make money.
Like a ticket that proves you own a small piece of a company.
He bought his first security through an online trading app.
Investors trade securities to grow their savings.
UsageSay securities for shares and bonds. Something given for a loan is security, with no s.
Note
5
noununcountable
A calm state in which you have no fear or worry.
Like the calm feeling of being safely tucked in bed at night.
Living far from danger gave them a deep sense of security.
She finally felt the security of knowing her family was safe.
UsageOften in a sense of security or a feeling of security.
Similarpeace, comfort
Oppositeinsecurity, anxiety, fear, worry
Note
6
pledged propertynouncountable or uncountable
Something valuable, like a house, that you agree to give up if you do not pay back a loan.
Like leaving your watch with a friend until you pay back the money you borrowed.
She offered her car as security for the loan.
The bank kept the deed as security until the debt was paid.
UsageSay as security for a loan: she gave her car as security.
Similarpledge
Note
7
nouncountable
A thing that keeps something else safe, closed, or held firmly in place.
Like a lock that keeps your door from swinging open.
A sturdy lock is the best security for a bicycle.
The only security on the old shed door was a small padlock.
Similarfastening, safeguard, lock

Less common meanings

8
nouncountable or uncountable
A promise that makes you sure something will happen or be done.
Like a pinky promise that makes you sure a friend will keep their word.
Her promise was all the security he needed to agree.
Her uncle's promise to pay was the only security the bank needed.
Similarguarantee, assurance, warranty, surety
Note
9
nounobsoleteuncountable
A careless lack of caution, often from feeling too safe.
He means, my lord, that we are too remiss, Whilst Bolingbroke, through our security, Grows strong and great in substance and in power.
1595, William Shakespeare, “The Life and Death of King Richard the Second”Here, security means carelessness, feeling too safe and not paying attention.
Note

Practice

Can you tell the meanings of security apart? Answer 3 quick questions from this page, or write your own sentence and AI will check it.

Origin

It comes from Latin sēcūrus, meaning "safe," made from sē- ("without") and cūra ("care"). So at root it means something like "without care."

Checked 5 Nov 2026 · 2 facts

Security ultimately derives from Latin sēcūrus, which means safe. en.wiktionary.org
Sēcūrus is formed from sē-, meaning without, and cūra, meaning care. en.wiktionary.org