security

plural securities · alternative obsolete secuerity

1. uncountableThe condition of not being threatened, especially physically, psychologically, emotionally, or financially.

   Chad always carries a gun for his own security.

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   The pink blanket gives little Mary lots of security.

   Give up yourself merely to chance and hazard, / From firm security.

   c. 1606–1607 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Tragedie of Anthonie and Cleopatra”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act III, scene vii]

   Was there no way to provide for the Safety of Britain, or the Security for its Trade, but by the French Kings turning his own Arms to beat his Grandſon out of Spain?

   1711 December 8 (Gregorian calendar), [Jonathan Swift], “The Eighth Article of the Grand Alliance”, in The Conduct of the Allies, and of the Late Ministry, in Beginning and Carrying on the Present War, 4th edition, London: […] John Morphew […], published 1711, →OCLC, pages 73–74

   An earthly paradise, where, free from care and toil, they could live on the sweet fruits of a delightful garden, and where birds and beasts frisked about them in fearless security.

   1918, James George Frazer, Folk-Lore In The Old Testament, volume 1, page 51

   Synonyms: safety

2. countableSomething that secures.

   Synonyms: protection

3. countableuncountableAn organization or department responsible for providing security by enforcing laws, rules, and regulations as well as maintaining order.

   Pamela works in security.

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   […] Going through security I held her for so long / She finally looked at me in love and she was gone

   1977, Graham Nash, “Just a Song Before I Go”, in CSN, performed by Crosby, Stills & Nash

   The threat of terrorism to the British lies in the overreaction to it of British governments. Each one in turn clicks up the ratchet of surveillance, intrusion and security. Each one diminishes liberty.

   2012 December 14, Simon Jenkins, “We mustn't overreact to North Korea boys' toys”, in The Guardian Weekly, volume 188, number 2, page 23

   From the ground, Colombo’s port does not look like much. Those entering it are greeted by wire fences, walls dating back to colonial times and security posts. For mariners leaving the port after lonely nights on the high seas, the delights of the B52 Night Club and Stallion Pub lie a stumble away.

   2013 June 8, “The new masters and commanders”, in The Economist, volume 407, number 8839, page 52

4. countableuncountablelawSomething that secures the fulfillment of an obligation or law.

   Synonyms: guarantee, surety, pledge

5. countableuncountablelawFreedom from apprehension.
6. countablein pluraloftenuncountablebusinessA tradeable financial asset, such as a share of stock or any of various classes of bond.
7. countableuncountablebusinessProof of ownership of stocks, bonds or other investment instruments.
8. countableuncountablebusinessProperty etc. temporarily relinquished to guarantee repayment of a loan.

   Near-synonym: collateral

   Synonyms: collateral

9. countableuncountableA guarantee.

   Those who lent him money lent it on no security but his bare word.

   1849–1861, Thomas Babington Macaulay, chapter XII, in The History of England from the Accession of James the Second, volume (please specify |volume=I to V), London: Longman, Brown, Green, and Longmans, →OCLC

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   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.

   1726 October 28, [Jonathan Swift], “Of the Inhabitants of Lilliput; […]”, in Travels into Several Remote Nations of the World. […] [Gulliver’s Travels], volume I, London: […] Benj[amin] Motte, […], →OCLC, part I (A Voyage to Lilliput), pages 106–107

10. countableobsoleteuncountableCarelessness; negligence.

    He means, my lord, that we are too remiss, Whilst Bolingbroke, through our security, Grows strong and great in substance and in power.

    1595 December 9 (first known performance), William Shakespeare, “The Life and Death of King Richard the Second”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies: Published According to the True Originall Copies (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act III, scene ii]