security

Universal Words noun (plural securities) protection 1 [U] the activities involved in protecting a country, building or person against attack, danger, etc: national security (= the defence of a country) * airport / hotel security * The visit took place amidst tight security (= the use of many police officers). * the security forces / services (= the police, army, etc.) * a high / maximum security prison (= for dangerous criminals) * a security alert * The criminals were caught (= filmed) on a security video. seealsoHIGH-SECURITY 2 [U+sing./pl.v.] the department of a large company or organization that deals with the protection of its buildings, equipment and staff: Security was / were called to the incident. 3 [U] protection against sth bad that might happen in the future: financial security * Job security (= the guarantee that you will keep your job) is a thing of the past. * Which type of investment offers the greatest security? feeling happy / safe 4 [U] the state of feeling happy and safe from danger or worry: the security of a loving family life * She'd allowed herself to be lulled into a false sense of security (= a feeling that she was safe when in fact she was in danger). for a loan 5 [U,C] a valuable item, such as a house, that you agree to give to sb if you are unable to pay back the money that you have borrowed from them: His home and business are being held as security for the loan. shares in company 6 (securities) [pl.] (finance) documents proving that sb is the owner of shares, etc. in a particular company: government securities seealsoSOCIALSECURITY