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security

security

2.5
Things or people that keep homes and buildings safe from crime and danger
  • noun
  • /sɪˈkjʊrɪti/
translation icon : seguridad
  • The building was equipped with state-of-the-art security systems to prevent break-ins.
  • national security
  • security forces
  • security threats

You know, they take home security so seriously.

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Examples

  • You know, they take home security so seriously.

  • Can we have security up here at the front counter, please?

  • China is our biggest national security threat right now, not Russia.

  • But this was such a massive national security failure, a face plant.

  • And that is a major security issue, right?

  • That is what a threat to national security looks like.

  • Can you please transfer me to your security department?

  • You spent a fortune on security in this place.

  • This man has compromised national security, the American brand.

  • For many Afghans, the police are the most visible security providers and representatives of the government.

    Academic text (2011)

Synonyms

protection
vssecurity
974 1.0

Keeping people or things safe from harm

emphasizes concrete tools, people, and methods rather than just the state
defense
vssecurity
  • US
460 1.4

Protection from attack, danger, harm, or illness

covers protective measures but is broader, including prevention and everyday safety
safeguard
vssecurity
61 4.0

A way to protect someone or something from harm

refers to the complete set of measures and people protecting property and persons
security measures
vssecurity
40 3.7

Actions and devices that stop people from spying, stealing, or damaging property

covers those actions but also protects from other kinds of danger or harm
security measure
vssecurity
1 3.6

A device or method that detects break-ins and sounds an alarm

includes these devices but also people and wider protective roles

Compounds

370 3.7

A group in the United Nations that works to keep peace between countries

325 2.8

A United States government program that gives money to people who are retired, disabled, or unemployed

210 1.3

A person who watches and protects a building or people to stop stealing and trouble

A group of people hired by a company to protect its buildings and goods

Homeland Security
  • Literature
61 3.7

A United States government department that protects the country from threats inside its borders

A set of devices like cameras and sensors that warn about intruders

Actions and devices that stop people from spying, stealing, or damaging property

A government group that advises the leader about national security, foreign policy, the military, and intelligence agencies

A number the United States gives to people to show who they are, pay taxes, and get government benefits

security deposit
  • Specialized
15 3.4

Money paid in advance to a landlord or company as a promise you will keep the agreement

11 7.2

An investment made from many home loans that pays interest and loan repayments to investors sometimes backed by the government

8 6.7

A legal right on property that helps a lender get paid

A United States government agency that gives retirement, disability, and survivor benefits

Many guards and strict checks protect people or places

A group of employees who protect people, property and information from theft and damage

A person who advises businesses or homes on protecting buildings and property, for example with alarms and cameras

security measure
  • Specialized
4 3.1

A rule or tool that protects computers and data from access without permission

A United States government agency that keeps airports and air travel safe

security system
  • Specialized
4 3.5

A set of programs and rules that control access to computer networks

A US government agency that protects secret information and gathers foreign intelligence

A U.S. government department that protects the country from threats and manages national security

security blanket
  • Informal
3 3.6

An object or habit a person uses to feel calm when nervous

A team in a company that protects workers, buildings, and things

3 3.5

A government agency in the United Kingdom that protects the country from spies and other internal threats

collective security
  • Specialized
2 5.0

A system where countries agree to defend each other to keep peace

A person who protects a company's people and things

2 3.8

Authorities protect people in public places to stop crime and disorder

government security
  • Specialized
1 4.0

A bond or note that a government sells to borrow money

A device or method that detects break-ins and sounds an alarm

A group of guards a company or person hires to protect people and property

security consultant
  • Specialized
1 3.5

A person who advises companies on protecting computers and data from hackers and attacks

The main agency in Russia that handles security inside the country and spying

convertible security
  • Specialized
1 8.3

An investment like a bond or preferred share that you can change into the company's common stock under certain conditions

security blanket
  • Baby Talk
1 3.2

A soft blanket or toy a child carries for comfort

1 4.9

A check of emails and documents that stops secret information reaching people who must not see it

security intelligence
  • Specialized
1 4.4

Information about dangerous people or groups used to prevent attacks

A part of the US State Department that protects American diplomats, embassies, and secret information abroad

A government body that gathers and reports information to protect Canada

A Canadian government agency that gathers information from communications and helps protect Canada from spying and cyber attacks

The Soviet Union's main secret police and intelligence agency

agency security
  • Specialized
6.7

An investment sold by a United States government agency or the Farm Credit System

The main Russian agency that deals with security and spying inside the country

letter security
  • Specialized
9.4

A stock or bond not registered with the government that cannot be sold in public markets

listed security
  • Specialized
6.0

A stock or bond officially allowed to trade on a stock exchange

registered security
  • Specialized
7.4

A stock or bond whose owner's name is kept on the company's list

OTC security
  • Specialized
7.7

A stock or bond traded outside a stock exchange

6.7

An investment like a stock or bond traded directly through dealers, not on a stock market

security intelligence
  • Specialized
4.1

Information about online threats and what attackers do used to stop cyber attacks

security review
  • Specialized
4.0

A careful check of a computer system, code, or design that finds security problems and suggests fixes

A Canadian independent group that checks the security service to make sure it follows the law and protects people's rights

tax-exempt security
  • Specialized
6.5

A bond or note whose interest income is not taxed

unlisted security
  • Specialized
8.1

An investment not listed on a stock market that is sold privately or over the counter

zero coupon security
  • Specialized
7.8

A bond sold at a large discount that pays no regular interest and repays full value at maturity

zero-coupon security
  • Specialized
9.0

A bond sold for less than its value that pays no interest and gives the full amount when it ends

How Protective

security
2.5

Surface Forms

security singular
securities plural

Morphology

security = secure (transparent) = secure + ity

Formation is a standard adjective-to-noun derivation ('secure' + '-ity') meaning 'the state or condition of being secure', which directly yields the senses of protection and safety.

Etymology

Security comes from the Latin word securus, which means 'without care', and it is the same root as secure and sure; think of guards, alarms, or locks making a place 'without care' by keeping danger away. So security (the devices or people) protects things and makes them safe.