What does "security" mean?

1. (safety and protection) the state of being safe from danger, harm, or crime. 2. (guards or measures) the people or systems that protect a place, like a building or airport. 3. (financial collateral) something valuable you give to a bank to prove you will pay back a loan. 4. (investment asset) a financial product that can be bought and sold, like a stock or a bond. 5. (feeling of confidence) a feeling of being happy and safe, without worrying about the future.

How do you use "security"?

Often used as an uncountable noun when referring to the general state of being safe. Can be used as a collective noun for the department or staff. Often takes the preposition 'for'. Commonly used in the plural form 'securities'. Often used in phrases like 'job security' or 'emotional security'.

security

US //sɪkˈjʊɹəti// UK //sɪkjˈɔːɹɪti// se·cu·ri·ty

1 safety and protection (n.)
B1 Intermediate

the state of being safe from danger, harm, or crime.

the state of being free from danger or threat, especially regarding physical, national, or digital safety.

Example

The hotel has high security to make sure all the guests feel safe.

Example

National security remains a top priority for the government as they implement new protocols to protect digital infrastructure from cyberattacks.

Usage

Often used as an uncountable noun when referring to the general state of being safe.
- safety
- protection
- safekeeping
2 guards or measures (n.)
B1 Intermediate

the people or systems that protect a place, like a building or airport.

the activities, personnel, or equipment involved in protecting a person, building, or organization.

Example

Security stopped him at the gate because he didn't have his ID card.

Example

Airport security has become significantly more stringent over the last decade, requiring passengers to undergo multiple layers of screening.

Usage

Can be used as a collective noun for the department or staff.

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3 financial collateral (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Formal Law

something valuable you give to a bank to prove you will pay back a loan.

an asset or property provided as a guarantee for the fulfilment of an obligation, such as a loan repayment.

Example

He used his house as security for the business loan.

Example

The lender required additional security before approving the mortgage, as the borrower's credit history was considered insufficient.

Usage

Often takes the preposition 'for'.

Teacher's tip

In everyday English, 'collateral' is a common synonym in banking contexts.
4 investment asset (n.)
C1 Advanced Technical Finance

a financial product that can be bought and sold, like a stock or a bond.

a tradeable financial asset, such as a share, bond, or option.

Example

The company is planning to issue new securities to raise money for the project.

Example

The regulatory body oversees the trading of government securities to ensure market stability and protect individual investors.

Usage

Commonly used in the plural form 'securities'.

Teacher's tip

This is a very specific professional sense; learners will mostly encounter it in business news or banking.
5 feeling of confidence (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

a feeling of being happy and safe, without worrying about the future.

the state of being free from anxiety or apprehension; emotional or psychological stability.

Example

Having a permanent job gives her a sense of financial security.

Example

Children need a stable home environment to develop a lasting sense of emotional security and self-confidence.

Usage

Often used in phrases like 'job security' or 'emotional security'.
- anxiety
- uncertainty

Origin

From secure + -ity, from Middle English securite, from Middle French securité (modern sécurité), from Latin sēcūritās, from Latin sēcūrus (“safe, secure”), from sē- (“without”) + cūra (“care”); see cure. Similar to Latin sine cūrā (“without care, carefree”), which led to English sinecure. Doublet of surety.