security blanket: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
commoninformal
Quick answer
What does “security blanket” mean?
A blanket or soft object that a child holds for comfort and a sense of safety.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A blanket or soft object that a child holds for comfort and a sense of safety.
Anything that provides psychological comfort or a feeling of security, often used metaphorically to describe a dependency or crutch.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage; the term is understood in both dialects.
Connotations
Similarly connotes comfort and sometimes childish dependence in both dialects.
Frequency
Slightly more prevalent in American English due to cultural references like the Peanuts comic strip.
Grammar
How to Use “security blanket” in a Sentence
[someone] has a security blanket[something] serves as a security blanket for [someone]security blanket of [something]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used metaphorically to describe policies or tools that provide a false sense of security, e.g., 'The outdated software is a security blanket for the IT department.'
Academic
In psychology, refers to attachment objects in child development studies.
Everyday
Common in parenting discussions or when describing personal comfort habits.
Technical
Specific term in developmental psychology for objects that help children self-soothe.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “security blanket”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “security blanket”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “security blanket”
- Using 'security blanket' in formal writing without context.
- Confusing it with 'safety blanket' which is less common.
- Overusing the metaphor in inappropriate contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it can be used metaphorically for adults or situations where something provides emotional comfort or security.
It is generally informal; use with caution in formal contexts, and consider alternatives like 'comfort object' in academic or technical settings.
Popularized by the character Linus in the Peanuts comic strip, though the concept of comfort objects predates this cultural reference.
Yes, such as 'comfort object' or 'transitional object' in psychology, but these may lack the metaphorical breadth of 'security blanket'.
A blanket or soft object that a child holds for comfort and a sense of safety.
Security blanket: in British English it is pronounced /sɪˈkjʊərəti ˈblæŋkɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /səˈkjʊrəti ˈblæŋkɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “like a security blanket”
- “security blanket effect”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Remember Linus from Peanuts, who always carries his blanket for security and comfort.
Conceptual Metaphor
SECURITY IS A PHYSICAL COVERING
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary meaning of 'security blanket'?