What does "security" mean?
The condition of not being threatened, especially physically, psychologically, emotionally, or financially.
Security
/sɪˈkjʊə.ɹə.ti/ noun
noun ·Common ·Middle school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The condition of not being threatened, especially physically, psychologically, emotionally, or financially.
- Grammar: security is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: protection, aegis, affluence, anchor.
- Useful contrasts: dangerous situation, dutch risico, social danger.
- Usage evidence: Germany adopted a social security system in the 1880's.
How to use "security"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "security" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "security" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "security" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "security" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "security" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "protection" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "security", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The condition of not being threatened, especially physically, psychologically, emotionally, or financially. uncountable
"Chad always carries a gun for his own security."
- 2 measures taken as a precaution against theft or espionage or sabotage etc. wordnet
- 3 Something that secures. countable
- 4 an electrical device that sets off an alarm when someone tries to break in wordnet
- 5 An organization or department responsible for providing security by enforcing laws, rules, and regulations as well as maintaining order. countable, uncountable
"Pamela works in security."
Show 14 more definitions
- 6 a guarantee that an obligation will be met wordnet
- 7 Something that secures the fulfillment of an obligation or law. countable, uncountable
- 8 freedom from anxiety or fear wordnet
- 9 Freedom from apprehension. countable, uncountable
- 10 a department responsible for the security of the institution's property and workers wordnet
- 11 A tradeable financial asset, such as a share of stock or any of various classes of bond.ᵂ countable, in-plural, often, uncountable
- 12 defense against financial failure; financial independence wordnet
- 13 Proof of ownership of stocks, bonds or other investment instruments. countable, uncountable
- 14 property that your creditor can claim in case you default on your obligation wordnet
- 15 Property etc. temporarily relinquished to guarantee repayment of a loan. countable, uncountable
- 16 a formal declaration that documents a fact of relevance to finance and investment; the holder has a right to receive interest or dividends wordnet
- 17 A guarantee. countable, uncountable
"As to Perſons of Quality, they give Security to appropriate a certain Sum for each Child, ſuitable to their Condition; and theſe Funds are always managed with good Husbandry and the moſt exact Juſtice."
- 18 the state of being free from danger or injury wordnet
- 19 Carelessness; negligence. countable, obsolete, uncountable
"He means, my lord, that we are too remiss, Whilst Bolingbroke, through our security, Grows strong and great in substance and in power."
Antonyms
dangerous situationdutch risicosocial dangerswedish risk
Example
"Germany adopted a social security system in the 1880's."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "security"?
Common synonyms include: protection, aegis, affluence, anchor, aplomb, armament.
How do you use "security" in a sentence?
Germany adopted a social security system in the 1880's.
How do you pronounce "security"?
Pronounced /sɪˈkjʊə.ɹə.ti/.
Etymology
From secure + -ity, from Middle English securite, from Middle French securité (modern sécurité), from Latin sēcūritās, from Latin sēcūrus (“safe, secure”), from sē- (“without”) + cūra (“care”); see cure. Similar to Latin sine cūrā (“without care, carefree”), which led to English sinecure. Doublet of surety.