dictionary definitions for "security"


From WordNet (r) 2.0 (August 2003) [wn]:

  security
      n 1: the state of being free from danger or injury; "we support
           the armed services in the name of national security"
           [ant: insecurity]
      2: a formal declaration that documents a fact of relevance to
         finance and investment; the holder has a right to receive
         interest or dividends; "he held several valuable
         securities" [syn: certificate]
      3: a department responsible for the security of the
         institution's property and workers; "the head of security
         was a former policeman" [syn: security department]
      4: measures taken as a precaution against theft or espionage or
         sabotage etc.; "military security has been stepped up
         since the recent uprising" [syn: security measures]
      5: defense against financial failure; financial independence;
         "his pension gave him security in his old age"; "insurance
         provided protection against loss of wages due to illness"
         [syn: protection]
      6: freedom from anxiety or fear; "the watch dog gave her a
         feeling of security"
      7: an electrical device that sets off an alarm when someone
         tries to break in [syn: security system, {security
         measures}]
      8: property that your creditor can claim in case you default on
         your obligation; "bankers are reluctant to lend without
         good security" [syn: surety]
      9: a guarantee that an obligation will be met [syn: surety]

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Security \Se*cu"ri*ty\, n.; pl. Securities. [L. securitas: cf.
     F. s['e]curit['e]. See Secure, and cf. Surety.]
     1. The condition or quality of being secure; secureness.
        Specifically:
        (a) Freedom from apprehension, anxiety, or care;
            confidence of power or safety; hence, assurance;
            certainty.
            [1913 Webster]
  
                  His trembling hand had lost the ease,
                  Which marks security to please.   --Sir W.
                                                    Scott.
            [1913 Webster]
        (b) Hence, carelessness; negligence; heedlessness.
            [1913 Webster]
  
                  He means, my lord, that we are too remiss,
                  Whilst Bolingbroke, through our security,
                  Grows strong and great in substance and in
                  power.                            --Shak.
            [1913 Webster]
        (c) Freedom from risk; safety.
            [1913 Webster]
  
                  Give up yourself merely to chance and hazard,
                  From firm security.               --Shak.
            [1913 Webster]
  
                  Some . . . alleged that we should have no
                  security for our trade.           --Swift.
            [1913 Webster]
  
     2. That which secures or makes safe; protection; guard;
        defense. Specifically:
        (a) Something given, deposited, or pledged, to make
            certain the fulfillment of an obligation, the
            performance of a contract, the payment of a debt, or
            the like; surety; pledge.
            [1913 Webster]
  
                  Those who lent him money lent it on no security
                  but his bare word.                --Macaulay.
            [1913 Webster]
        (b) One who becomes surety for another, or engages himself
            for the performance of another's obligation.
            [1913 Webster]
  
     3. An evidence of debt or of property, as a bond, a
        certificate of stock, etc.; as, government securities.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     Syn: Protection; defense; guard; shelter; safety; certainty;
          ease; assurance; carelessness; confidence; surety;
          pledge; bail.
          [1913 Webster]


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