security Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun the state of being free from danger or injury
    • we support the armed services in the name of national security
  2. noun defense against financial failure; financial independence
    protection.
    • his pension gave him security in his old age
    • insurance provided protection against loss of wages due to illness
  3. noun freedom from anxiety or fear
    • the watch dog gave her a feeling of security
  4. noun a formal declaration that documents a fact of relevance to finance and investment; the holder has a right to receive interest or dividends
    certificate.
    • he held several valuable securities
  5. noun property that your creditor can claim in case you default on your obligation
    surety.
    • bankers are reluctant to lend without good security
  6. noun a department responsible for the security of the institution's property and workers
    security department.
    • the head of security was a former policeman
  7. noun a guarantee that an obligation will be met
    surety.
  8. noun an electrical device that sets off an alarm when someone tries to break in
    security system; security measure.
  9. noun measures taken as a precaution against theft or espionage or sabotage etc.
    security measures.
    • military security has been stepped up since the recent uprising

WordNet

Se*cu"ri*ty noun
Etymology
L. securitas: cf. F. sécurité. See Secure, and cf. Surety.
Wordforms
plural Securities
Definitions
  1. The condition or quality of being secure; secureness. Specifically: (a) Freedom from apprehension, anxiety, or care; confidence of power of safety; hence, assurance; certainty.
    His trembling hand had lost the ease, Which marks security to please. Sir W. Scott.
    (b) Hence, carelessness; negligence; heedlessness.
    He means, my lord, that we are too remiss, Whilst Bolingbroke, through our security, Grows strong and great in substance and in power. Shak.
    (c) Freedom from risk; safety.
    Give up yourself merely to chance and hazard, From firm security. Shak.
    Some . . . alleged that we should have no security for our trade. Swift.
  2. That which secures or makes safe; protection; guard; defense. Specifically: (a) Something given, deposited, or pledged, to make certain the fulfillment of an obligation, the performance of a contract, the payment of a debt, or the like; surety; pledge.
    Those who lent him money lent it on no security but his bare word. Macaulay.
    (b) One who becomes surety for another, or engages himself for the performance of another's obligation.
  3. An evidence of debt or of property, as a bond, a certificate of stock, etc.; as, government securities. Syn. -- Protection; defense; guard; shelter; safety; certainty; ease; assurance; carelessness; confidence; surety; pledge; bail.

Webster 1913