a state of being safe and free from danger, harm, or threat
Wearing a helmet gave the cyclist an extra feeling of security.
Parents install window locks to improve their children’s security.
✦ From Middle English securite, from Old French seurté, from Latin sēcūritās (“freedom from care”).
the actions, systems, or equipment put in place to keep people or property safe
Airport security inspected every suitcase before passengers boarded.
The museum upgraded its camera system to improve security.
the guards or staff whose job is to protect a place or event
Security stopped the intruder at the main gate.
We asked security for directions to the stadium seats.
a feeling of confidence and certainty that things will be okay
A steady job gave Lena financial security.
Children need emotional security to grow and learn.
property or money given or promised to guarantee that a debt will be paid
The bank asked for the house as security for the loan.
She deposited jewelry as security against possible losses.
a tradable financial instrument such as a stock, bond, or option
Investors bought government securities with low risk.
Each security in her portfolio paid quarterly dividends.
the practice or field of protecting computer systems, networks, and data from digital attacks, damage, or unauthorized access.
The government invested millions in cybersecurity to defend its sensitive data.
She chose to study cybersecurity because she loves problem-solving.
✦ Coined in the late 20th century from the prefix cyber- (relating to computers or cyberspace) + security.
the state of being safe from digital threats, attacks, or unauthorized access.
Keeping software updated helps maintain strong cybersecurity.
Two-factor authentication greatly improves a user’s cybersecurity.
a feeling of lacking confidence or certainty about oneself or one's abilities
Sarah's insecurity about speaking in public made her nervous before the presentation.
He struggled with insecurity after losing his job.
✦ From insecure (from Latin insicūrus 'unsafe', in- 'not' + sēcūrus 'secure') + suffix -ity.
lack of safety, protection, or stability
The economic insecurity caused widespread unrest.
Food insecurity affects millions in the region.
