/si kyoor"i tee/ , n. , pl. securities , adj.
n.
1. freedom from danger, risk, etc.; safety.
2. freedom from care, anxiety, or doubt; well-founded confidence.
3. something that secures or makes safe; protection; defense.
4. freedom from financial cares or from want: The insurance policy gave the family security.
5. precautions taken to guard against crime, attack, sabotage, espionage, etc.: The senator claimed security was lax and potential enemies know our plans.
6. a department or organization responsible for protection or safety: He called security when he spotted the intruder.
7. protection or precautions taken against escape; custody: The dangerous criminal was placed under maximum security.
8. an assurance; guarantee.
9. Law.
a. something given or deposited as surety for the fulfillment of a promise or an obligation, the payment of a debt, etc.
b. one who becomes surety for another.
10. an evidence of debt or of property, as a bond or a certificate of stock.
11. Usually, securities . stocks and bonds.
12. Archaic. overconfidence; cockiness.
adj.
13. of, pertaining to, or serving as security: The company has instituted stricter security measures.
[ 1400-50; late ME securytye, securite ( e ) securitas. See SECURE, -ITY ]
Syn. 2. assurance, certainty, positiveness. 3. safeguard, safety.