security: Meaning and Definition of

se•cu•ri•ty

Pronunciation: (si-kyoor'i-tē), [key]
— n., pl. adj. -ties,
—n.
  1. freedom from danger, risk, etc.; safety.
  2. freedom from care, anxiety, or doubt; well-founded confidence.
  3. something that secures or makes safe; protection; defense.
  4. freedom from financial cares or from want: The insurance policy gave the family security.
  5. precautions taken to guard against crime, attack, sabotage, espionage, etc.: The senator claimed security was lax and potential enemies know our plans.
  6. a department or organization responsible for protection or safety: He called security when he spotted the intruder.
  7. protection or precautions taken against escape; custody: The dangerous criminal was placed under maximum security.
  8. an assurance; guarantee.
    1. something given or deposited as surety for the fulfillment of a promise or an obligation, the payment of a debt, etc.
    2. one who becomes surety for another.
  9. an evidence of debt or of property, as a bond or a certificate of stock.
  10. Usually,stocks and bonds.
  11. overconfidence; cockiness.
—adj.
  1. of, pertaining to, or serving as security: The company has instituted stricter security measures.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
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