n. (pl. -ies) 1 a secure condition or feeling. 2 a thing that guards or guarantees. 3 a the safety of a State, company, etc., against espionage, theft, or other danger. b an organization for ensuring this. 4 a thing deposited or pledged as a guarantee of the fulfilment of an undertaking or the payment of a loan, to be forfeited in case of default. 5 (often in pl.) a certificate attesting credit or the ownership of stock, bonds, etc. on security of using as a guarantee. security blanket 1 an official sanction on information in the interest of security. 2 a blanket or other familiar object given as a comfort to a child. Security Council a permanent body of the United Nations seeking to maintain peace and security. security guard a person employed to protect the security of buildings, vehicles, etc. security risk a person whose presence may threaten security.
[ ME f. OF securité or L securitas (as SECURE) ]