security
gb/sɪkjˈʊɹɪti/ us/sɪkjˈʊɹɪti/
A2
English
~ 700
Senses
0 senses
Noun
A2
state
1
Protection from harm or danger
A state where you are safe and not in danger.
Usage pattern:
[someone]'s security
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'security' with 'safety'. 'Security' often involves protection against intentional harm, like crime, whereas 'safety' can refer to being free from all kinds of danger, including accidents.
Synonyms
safety (Often focuses more on freedom from accidents or unintentional harm, while 'security' can include protection from deliberate threats.)
Antonyms
danger (Represents the presence of harm or threat, the opposite of being secure.)
Collocations
national security
|personal security
|security measures
|security guard
|security system
Themes
safety
|daily life
|law
|daily_life
Examples
- The airport has tight security to protect passengers.
- She values the security of living in a safe neighborhood.
- Security was increased after the recent incident.
- Good lighting can improve the security of your home.
- They hired extra staff to provide security during the event.
Learner examples
- The police help to give us security.
- I feel security in my home.
- The bank has good security.
- There is a security guard at the door.
Noun
A2
entity
2
Protective personnel or systems
People or things that keep a place or person safe.
Usage pattern:
[place] has [security]
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse this with the general state of safety; here it refers specifically to people or systems providing protection.
Synonyms
guards (Refers specifically to people who protect a place, not systems or measures.)
Antonyms
intruders (People who enter a place without permission, often causing a security problem.)
Collocations
airport security
|security guard
|security team
Themes
safety
|law
|work
|daily_life
Examples
- Security stopped us at the gate.
- The concert had heavy security to manage the crowd.
- Call building security if you see anything suspicious.
- Security will check your bags before you enter.
- They improved their security with new cameras.
Learner examples
- Security is at the front door.
- The school has security to protect students.
- Security checks everyone before they go in.
Noun
formal
B1
entity
3
Measures for protection
Actions or things used to keep people or things safe.
Usage pattern:
[place] has [security measures]
Synonyms
protection measures (A broader term that can include non-security-related safety steps.)
Antonyms
vulnerability (A weakness that could be exploited by threats.)
Collocations
security measures
|security checks
|security procedures
Themes
business
|technology
|law
|daily_life
Examples
- The company updated its security measures after the breach.
- Security procedures are strict in this building.
- Effective security can prevent data theft.
- They invested in better security for their network.
- Security checks are required before entry.
Learner examples
- The office has new security measures.
- Security checks are important at the airport.
- We need good security for our computers.
Noun
technical
B1
state
4
Financial stability and safety
When you have enough money to feel safe about your future.
Usage pattern:
financial security
Synonyms
stability (A broad term that can refer to many kinds of steadiness, not just financial.)
Antonyms
poverty (Lack of money and resources, opposite of financial stability.)
Collocations
financial security
|economic security
Themes
business
|finance
|daily_life
Examples
- He worked hard to achieve financial security for his family.
- Pensions provide some security in old age.
- Her savings give her a sense of security.
- Many people worry about their economic security during a recession.
Learner examples
- My parents want financial security for me.
- He saved money for his future security.
- We want economic security in our country.
Noun
technical
B2
entity
5
Tradable financial asset
A thing like a stock or bond that you can buy and sell for investment.
Synonyms
investment instrument (General term for any item used for investing, not only securities.)
Antonyms
liability (Something owed rather than owned as an asset.)
Collocations
trade securities
|government securities
Themes
business
|finance
Examples
- She invested heavily in government securities.
- The firm trades in various securities on the stock exchange.
- Securities must be registered before they are sold to the public.
Learner examples
- I bought some securities from the bank.
- They sell government securities.
- He trades securities every day.
Grammar
Dictionary form
security
IPA
GB/sɪkjˈʊɹɪti/
US/sɪkjˈʊɹɪti/
Syllables & stress
se - cur - ity (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (cur)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: security
- Plural: securities, security
Word family
Expressions
tighten security
1/tˈaɪtən sɪkjˈʊɹɪti/
fixed phrase
Increase protective measures
To make rules and actions stronger to keep people or things safe.
Examples
- The school decided to tighten security after the incident.
- Airports have tightened security since last year.
security blanket
1/sɪkjˈʊɹɪti blˈæŋkɪt/
idiom
informal
Comfort item for reassurance
Something that makes you feel safe and comfortable, often a blanket for a child.
Examples
- Her old teddy bear is her security blanket when she's nervous.
- For him, coffee in the morning is like a security blanket.
security blanket
2/sɪkjˈʊɹɪti blˈæŋkɪt/
idiom
object or habit giving comfort
Something, often a special object or habit, that makes a person feel safe and calm, especially a child.
Examples
- The little boy refuses to sleep without his security blanket.
- For many people, their phone has become a kind of security blanket.
- He treats his job as a security blanket and is afraid to try something new.
security breach
1/sɪkjˈʊɹɪti bɹˈit͡ʃ/
fixed phrase
Unauthorized access to secure data/system
When someone gets into a computer system or place without permission.
Examples
- The company reported a major security breach affecting customer information.
- A security breach led to stolen passwords.
security breach
2/sɪkjˈʊɹɪti bɹˈit͡ʃ/
fixed phrase
technical
Failure of protection allowing access
When someone gets into a place, system, or information without permission because protection failed.
Examples
- The company reported a major security breach affecting customer data.
- Security breaches can cost businesses millions of dollars.