security
/sɪˈkjʊərəti/ (bre, ipa) · /sɪˈkjʊrəti/ (ame, ipa) · /si-ˈkyu̇r-ə-tē -ˈkyər-/ (ame, mw)
security — noun
1. ways of keeping people, buildings, or countries safe from crime, attacks, or oth
ways of keeping people, buildings, or countries safe from crime, attacks, or other threats.
The airport tightened security after a suspicious bag was left near the check-in desks.
tightened security — increased protective measures after an incident
Our apartment building has round-the-clock security with cameras in the lobby and hallways.
round-the-clock security — continuous protection
National security concerns led the government to increase passport checks at the border.
Simple home security measures like good locks and bright lights can stop burglars.
- safety
focuses on the state of being free from harm; security emphasises the measures taken to achieve that state
- protection
broader term covering any act of keeping someone safe; security often implies organised systems
- defence
implies active resistance against a threat, whereas security is more about prevention
文法句型
security + against/threats
national/personal/home/airport security
用法筆記
Commonly appears in compound nouns such as security guard, security camera, security system, and security check. Uncountable — do not use with an indefinite article.
常見錯誤
2. the people whose job is to guard a building, event, or area and make sure nobody
the people whose job is to guard a building, event, or area and make sure nobody enters without permission.
The security guards at the front desk asked Christopher to show his ID card.
security guard — common compound noun for a person in this role
Felix called building security when he noticed a stranger near the basement door.
Security at the concert venue checked every bag before letting people through the gates.
The museum hired extra security for the new exhibition of rare Japanese paintings.
- guards
more specific — refers to individual people rather than the team as a whole
- security personnel
more formal register, often used in official notices or reports
文法句型
security + singular verb
building/event/venue security
用法筆記
When referring to the people rather than the concept, this sense behaves as a collective noun and takes a singular verb. Example: 'Security is checking all bags.'
常見錯誤
3. the condition of having a steady income or job that is not at risk, so you can p
the condition of having a steady income or job that is not at risk, so you can plan for the future without worry.
After ten years with the same company, Soraya finally felt some job security.
collocation: job security
Many people choose jobs in public service because they offer greater financial security.
collocation: financial security
The economic downturn made workers worry about the security of their pensions.
Owning your own home can give you a sense of security that renting does not.
- insecurity
the state of not being sure about keeping your job or income
- instability
a situation that is likely to change or fail
文法句型
job/employment/financial security
sense of security
security of + noun phrase
用法筆記
Commonly occurs in the fixed phrases 'job security' and 'financial security.' Uncountable — do not precede with 'a' or 'an.'
常見錯誤
4. property that a borrower leaves with a lender until a debt is fully paid, and wh
property that a borrower leaves with a lender until a debt is fully paid, and which the lender may keep if the borrower fails to pay.
The bank asked Nikhil to use his house as security for the business loan.
pattern: use [asset] as security for [loan]
If you cannot repay the loan, the lender can take the security you offered.
The jeweller kept the gold watch as security until the customer paid the full price.
Piotr used his motorcycle as security for a loan to start his food business.
- collateral
the standard technical term in banking for property pledged against a loan
- guarantee
broader term that can also refer to a promise rather than physical property
文法句型
use [asset] as security for [loan]
provide/offer security
as security
用法筆記
Common in legal and banking contexts. The phrase 'as security for [a loan]' is a standard construction. The borrower is the one who 'provides' or 'offers' security.
常見錯誤
5. tradable financial assets, such as shares in companies or bonds issued by govern
tradable financial assets, such as shares in companies or bonds issued by governments, that investors buy to earn income.
The investment firm advised clients to put their money into government securities.
common collocation: government securities
Apinya bought a mix of securities, including company shares and government bonds.
These securities can be sold quickly on the stock market if the investor needs cash.
The value of mortgage-backed securities fell sharply during the financial crisis of 2008.
- stocks
refers specifically to shares in companies, not bonds or other instruments
- bonds
a specific type of security that represents debt rather than ownership
- financial instruments
a broader formal term that includes derivatives and other complex products
文法句型
government/corporate securities
trade in securities
securities market
用法筆記
In financial contexts, this sense almost always appears in the plural form 'securities.' Common types include government securities, corporate securities, and mortgage-backed securities.
常見錯誤
6. knowing that you are safe, accepted, and cared for by your family or the people
knowing that you are safe, accepted, and cared for by your family or the people close to you.
Children need emotional security to grow up feeling confident and happy.
A loving home gives most people a sense of security they carry through life.
phrase: a sense of security
Karim found emotional security in his close friendships after moving to a new city.
The loving support of his grandparents gave Takeshi a deep sense of emotional security.
- reassurance
the act of being made to feel less worried; security is a more stable, ongoing state
- comfort
a broader term for physical or emotional ease; security adds a sense of safety from harm
- insecurity
the feeling of not being good enough or not being loved or accepted
- anxiety
a feeling of worry or unease, often about relationships or acceptance
文法句型
emotional security
sense of security
security in [relationship/family]
用法筆記
Often occurs in the phrase 'sense of security' in psychological or relational contexts. Distinguished from sense 3 (financial) by its focus on relationships and emotional well-being rather than money or employment.