/ sɪˈkjʊərəti; NAmE səˈkjʊr-/ noun
( pl. -ies )
PROTECTION
1.
[ U ] the activities involved in protecting a country, building or person against attack, danger, etc. :
national security (= the defence of a country)
airport security
They carried out security checks at the airport.
The visit took place amidst tight security (= the use of many police officers) .
the security forces / services (= the police, army, etc.)
a high / maximum security prison (= for dangerous criminals)
—see also high-security
2.
[ U+sing./pl. v . ] the department of a large company or organization that deals with the protection of its buildings, equipment and staff :
Security was / were called to the incident.
3.
[ U ] protection against sth bad that might happen in the future :
financial security
Job security (= the guarantee that you will keep your job) is a thing of the past.
FEELING HAPPY / SAFE
4.
[ U ] the state of feeling happy and safe from danger or worry :
the security of a loving family life
She'd allowed herself to be lulled into a false sense of security (= a feeling that she was safe when in fact she was in danger) .
FOR A LOAN
5.
[ U , C ] a valuable item, such as a house, that you agree to give to sb if you are unable to pay back the money that you have borrowed from them :
His home and business are being held as security for the loan.
SHARES IN COMPANY
6.
securities [ pl. ] ( finance ) documents proving that sb is the owner of shares, etc. in a particular company
—see also social security
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English : from Old French securite or Latin securitas , from securus free from care, from se- without + cura care.