Security Meaning
/sɪˈkjʊəɹɪti/Definition, CEFR level B1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounThe condition of not being threatened, especially physically, psychologically, emotionally, or financially.
nounSomething that secures.
Sentence Examples
Please get me hotel security.
Germany adopted a social security system in the 1880's.
The building has a modern security system with cameras and alarms.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
CEFR Practice Quiz
The company hired extra guards to improve the ____ of their office building.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The bank installed additional ____ cameras after a series of attempted break-ins.
Word Origin & History
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.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"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:
"[…] 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:
Explore More B1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The company hired extra guards to improve the ____ of their office building.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The bank installed additional ____ cameras after a series of attempted break-ins.