security
HighFormal to Neutral
Definition
Meaning
The state of being protected from, or not exposed to, danger, threat, or harm.
Measures taken to ensure protection; a feeling of safety and certainty; a financial instrument representing ownership or debt; protection against unauthorized access.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a non-count noun referring to the abstract concept or state. Can be used countably to refer to specific measures (e.g., 'tight securities'), financial instruments, or a department (e.g., 'Building Security').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. UK English uses 'security' more commonly for 'collateral' in financial contexts. 'Security guard' is more common in US; 'security officer' is slightly more formal/UK.
Connotations
In US, strongly associated with national/homeland security post-9/11. In UK, often evokes personal/data security and financial instruments.
Frequency
Equally high frequency in both dialects.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[verb] + security (provide, ensure, tighten, breach, compromise)[adjective] + security (maximum, high, internal, personal)security + [preposition] + [noun] (security of the state, security against fraud)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Security blanket (source of comfort)”
- “A security risk (person or thing posing a threat)”
- “Tight security (strict protective measures)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to financial instruments (stocks, bonds), data protection, and premises safety.
Academic
Discussed in political science (national security), sociology (social security), and computer science (cybersecurity).
Everyday
Refers to home alarms, passwords, personal safety, and feeling secure in one's job or relationships.
Technical
In IT: protocols to prevent unauthorized access. In finance: tradable asset.
Examples
By Part of Speech
noun
British English
- The security at the museum was upgraded after the theft.
- He works in security for a large retail chain.
- Social security contributions are deducted from your wages.
American English
- Airport security took an hour to get through.
- The company issued new securities to raise capital.
- She needed a security clearance for the government job.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The hotel has good security.
- I want a job with security.
- He showed his pass to security.
- For security reasons, please do not share your password.
- Lack of job security makes people anxious.
- The new software update improves online security.
- National security concerns often override economic interests.
- The building's security protocols were found to be lacking.
- He traded government securities on the bond market.
- The pervasive sense of insecurity undermined the region's economic security.
- The treaty's provisions were framed as essential for collective security.
- Cybersecurity experts warn of increasingly sophisticated phishing attacks.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'secure' + 'ity'. You feel SECURE when you have securITY.
Conceptual Metaphor
SECURITY IS A SHIELD / FORTRESS / ANCHOR.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- False friend: 'безопасность' (bezopasnost') is closer to 'safety'. 'Security' often translates as 'безопасность', but also 'охрана' (protection service), 'гарантия' (guarantee), or 'ценная бумага' (financial instrument).
Common Mistakes
- Using 'security' as a countable noun for the abstract concept (e.g., 'I need a security' instead of 'I need security').
- Confusing 'security' (state/measures) with 'safety' (condition of being safe from accidental harm).
- Misspelling as 'securty'.
Practice
Quiz
In which context does 'security' NOT refer to a financial instrument?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Safety typically refers to protection from accidental harm or danger. Security refers to protection from deliberate threats like crime, espionage, or attack.
Yes, when it means: 1) a financial instrument (e.g., 'tradable securities'), 2) a specific measure ('The building has several securities in place'), or 3) a department ('Call Security'). The abstract concept is usually uncountable.
Primarily a government program that provides financial support to people who are unemployed, disabled, or retired. In the UK, it's often called 'the welfare system'; in the US, 'Social Security' is a specific federal program.
It is increasingly written as one word (cybersecurity), though 'cyber security' (two words) is also acceptable. The hyphenated form 'cyber-security' is less common now.
Collections
Part of a collection
Crime and Justice
B1 · 46 words · Vocabulary for law, crime and the justice system.
Global Issues
B2 · 47 words · Vocabulary for discussing world problems and politics.
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