- 1 [uncountable] 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) a security alert The criminals were caught (= filmed) on a security video.international see also high-security Oxford Collocations Dictionary adjectiveheightened, strict, tight, … verb + securityprovide (somebody with), ensure, guarantee, … security + nounapparatus, forces, services, … prepositionsecurity against phrasesfor security reasons, a high level of security, peace and security, … See full entry
- 2 [uncountable + singular or plural verb] 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[uncountable] a place at an airport where you go after your passport has been checked so that officials can find out if you are carrying illegal drugs or weapons My bag was emptied and searched when I went through security. It took ages to clear security and reach the departure lounge. Wordfinderairportairport, baggage reclaim, board, check-in, gate, immigration, lounge, passport, security, terminal
- 4 [uncountable] protection against something 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. Which type of investment offers the greatest security? see also information security Oxford Collocations Dictionary adjectivegreater, emotional, psychological, … verb + securityhave, give (somebody), provide (somebody with), … security + nounblanket phrasesa false sense of security, a feeling of security, a sense of security, … See full entry feeling happy/safe
- 5 [uncountable] 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). Oxford Collocations Dictionary adjectivegreater, emotional, psychological, … verb + securityhave, give (somebody), provide (somebody with), … security + nounblanket phrasesa false sense of security, a feeling of security, a sense of security, … See full entry See related entries: Happiness for a loan
- 6[uncountable, countable] a valuable item, such as a house, that you agree to give to somebody 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. Oxford Collocations Dictionary verb + securityput up (something as), use something as, hold (something as), … prepositionagainst the security of, as security, security for, … See full entry shares in company
- 7securities [plural] (finance) documents proving that somebody is the owner of shares, etc. in a particular company government securities Oxford Collocations Dictionary adjectiveagency, company, corporate, … verb + securitiesissue, buy, purchase, … securities + nouncompany, firm, market, … See full entry see also social security Word Originlate Middle English: from Old French securite or Latin securitas, from securus ‘free from care’, from se- ‘without’ + cura ‘care’.Extra examples For security reasons, passengers are requested not to leave any luggage unattended. He clings to her like a security blanket. He gave her the emotional security she needed. He lost his security clearance because he failed a lie-detector test. His father agreed to stand security for his son’s house-purchase loan. Screw windows to the frame for maximum security. She pledged her jewellery as security for a £50 000 loan. Soldiers stand at security checkpoints. The bank will make a loan against the security of the lender’s house. The bars are to provide security against break-ins. The leaking of secrets from the Defence Ministry has compromised national security. The leaking of state secrets has compromised national security. The user will be lulled into a false sense of security. They have the security of a good home. Wall Street securities firms We need to tighten security around the hotel during the president’s visit. a former national security adviser to President Clinton a law to protect national security a maximum security prison a securities lawyer with Tinson and Zelkins foreign ownership of US government securities our national security interests the faltering securities market He has the security of a good home and a loving family. Investigations are continuing into a security alert in the city yesterday. Job security is a thing of the past. She’d allowed herself to be lulled into a false sense of security. The criminals were caught on a security video. The demonstrations were brutally broken up by the security forces. The government claimed that the organization posed a threat to national security. The incident has provoked calls to tighten airport security. The plan offers your family financial security in the event of your death. The visit took place amidst tight security.
noun jump to other results
BrE BrE//sɪˈkjʊərəti//; NAmE NAmE//səˈkjʊrəti//
(pl. securities) HappinessCheck pronunciation: security
