Use of Security in English
(PROTECTION) Security noun
Protection of a person, building, organization, or country against threats such as crime or attacks by foreign countries.
(CERTAINTY) Security noun
The fact that something is not likely to fail or be lost.
- The station was closed for two hours because of a security alert.
- 30 demonstrators were killed in clashes with the security forces over the weekend.
- The tighter security measures/precautions include video cameras throughout the city centre.
- The students were deported because they posed a threat to national security.
- The banks must tighten security against fraud.
- The most dangerous criminals are held in maximum-security prisons (= prisons that are as difficult as possible to escape from).
The group of people responsible for protecting a building.
- You’ll need to notify security if you want to work late in the office.
The fact that something is not likely to fail or be lost.
- If it’s a choice between higher pay and job security, I’d prefer to keep my job.
- I’m on a temporary contract and have little financial security (= cannot be sure of having enough money to live on).
(FINANCE) Security noun
Property or goods that you promise to give to someone if you cannot pay what you owe them:
- She used her shares in the company as security against a $23 million bank loan.
- The hotel held onto our suitcases as security while we went to the bank to get moneyto pay the bill.
Securities [ plural ] specialized
Investment in a company or in government debt that can be traded on the financial markets and produces an income for the investor.
(CONFIDENCE) Security noun
The feeling of being confident in one’s family and relationships.
- Most children need the security of a stable family life.
(FREEDOM FROM RISK) Security noun
Freedom from risk and the threat of change for the worse.
- Financial/job security
(FREE FROM DANGER) Security noun
Social studies freedom from danger; safety.
- For security reasons, for the protection of the White House and the president, they felt it necessary to close the avenue.
- A convicted spy, he sold information that may have damaged our national security.
Social studies Security is also the group of people responsible for keeping buildings or other areas safe:
- If anyone gives you trouble, just call security.
(MONEY) Security noun
Money you pay someone that can be legally used by that person if your actions cause the person to lose money, but that will be returned to you if it is not used.
- You have give the landlord an extra month’s rent as security when you sign the lease.
