Etimology
secure + -ity, from Middle English securite, from Middle French securité (modern sécurité), from Latin sēcūritās, from Latin sēcūrus (“safe, secure”), from se- (“without”) + cura (“care”); see cure. Similar to Latin sine cura (“without care, carefree”), which led to English sinecure. Doublet of surety.
noun
security (countable and uncountable, plural securities)
(uncountable) The condition of not being threatened, especially physically, psychologically, emotionally, or financially.
(countable) Something that secures.
An organization or department responsible for providing security by enforcing laws, rules, and regulations as well as maintaining order.
(law) Something that secures the fulfillment of an obligation or law.
(law) Freedom from apprehension.
(finance, often in the plural) A tradeable financial asset, such as a share of stock.W
(finance) Proof of ownership of stocks, bonds or other investment instruments.
(finance) Property etc. temporarily relinquished to guarantee repayment of a loan.
A guarantee.
(obsolete) Carelessness; negligence.
Examples
Chad always carries a gun for his own security.
The pink blanket gives little Mary lots of security.
Give up yourself merely to chance and hazard, / From firm security.
Was there no way to provide for the Safety of Britain, or the Security for its Trade, but by the French Kings turning his own Arms to beat his Grandſon out of Spain?
Pamela works in security.
The threat of terrorism to the British lies in the overreaction to it of British governments. Each one in turn clicks up the ratchet of surveillance, intrusion and security. Each one diminishes liberty.
From the ground, Colombo’s port does not look like much. Those entering it are greeted by wire fences, walls dating back to colonial times and security posts. For mariners leaving the port after lonely nights on the high seas, the delights of the B52 Night Club and Stallion Pub lie a stumble away.
As to Perſons of Quality, they give Security to appropriate a certain Sum for each Child, ſuitable to their Condition; and theſe Funds are always managed with good Husbandry and the moſt exact Juſtice.
Those who lent him money lent it on no security but his bare word.
He means, my lord, that we are too remiss,Whilst Bolingbroke, through our security,Grows strong and great in substance and in power.
Related words
synonyms
(condition of not being threatened): safety
(something that secures): protection
(something that secures the fulfillment of an obligation): guarantee, surety
See also Thesaurus:security
antonyms
insecurity (condition of being threatened)
hyponyms
asset-backed security
computer security
information security
mortgage-backed security
social security