se·cu·ri·ty
(sĭ-kyŏŏŕĭ-tē)
[Middle English securite, from Old French, from Latin sēcūritās, from sēcūrus, secure; see secure.]
noun: pl., -ties.
- Freedom from risk or danger; safety.
- Freedom from doubt, anxiety, or fear; confidence.
- Something that gives or assures safety, as:
- A group or department of private guards: Call building security if a visitor acts suspicious.
- Measures adopted by a government to prevent espionage, sabotage, or attack.
- Measures adopted, as by a business or homeowner, to prevent a crime such as burglary or assault: Security was lax at the firm's smaller plant.
- Measures adopted to prevent escape: Security in the prison is very tight.
- Something deposited or given as assurance of the fulfillment of an obligation; a pledge.
- One who undertakes to fulfill the obligation of another; a surety.
- A document indicating ownership or creditorship; a stock certificate or bond.
