security
noun
uk/sɪˈkjʊərəti/ us [ U ]
the protection of people, organizations, countries, etc. against a possible attack or other crime:
border/homeland/national security
boost/improve/tighten security Airport security has been tightened since the terrorist threat.
lax/strict/tight security
He was head of security at the Federal Aviation Administration.
security firm/contractor/company
security system/check/measure Anyone entering the building has to undergo a series of security checks.
The airport was temporarily closed due to a security alert.
security cameras/lights/doors
[ U ] IT, BANKING, INTERNET
the protection of information against being stolen or used wrongly or illegally:
data/information/IT security
security measures/checks/controls The bank has taken additional security measures to ensure accounts are protected.
[ U ]
the fact or feeling that your job, money, etc. is safe and you will not lose it:
He left the relative security of a corporate job to set up on his own.
give/offer sb security His 15-year career in investment banking has given him the financial security to transfer his skills to the voluntary sector.
economic/financial security
They are concerned about the security of their investments.
[ C, usually plural ] FINANCE, STOCK MARKET plural securities
a financial investment such as a bond or share that is traded on a financial market:
buy/hold/sell securities Investors who bought securities made up of subprime loans suffered the biggest losses.
deal in/invest in/issue securities
a securities agreement/audit/dealer
a securities business/company/house
[ U ] FINANCE
property or goods that you promise to give someone if you cannot pay them what you owe them:
give/offer/pledge sth as security She signed papers pledging their home as security against the loan.
See also
asset-backed
bearer security
continuing security
convertible security
dated security
employment security
food security
fixed-interest security
gilts
government security
job security
listed security
long-term security
marketable security
medium-term security
mortgage-backed
negotiable
short-term security
undated security
unlisted security