- [uncountable] the activities involved in protecting a country, building or person against attack, danger, etc.
- national/homeland security (= the defence of a country)
- airport security officers
- security against something The bars are to provide security against break-ins.
- They carried out security checks at the airport.
- Passwords are a very important security measure.
- The visit took place amidst tight security (= the use of many police officers).
- the security forces/services (= the police, army, etc.)
- a high/maximum security prison (= for dangerous criminals)
- a security alert/threat/situation
- a security adviser/expert
- The criminals were caught (= filmed) on a security video.
- to tighten/improve/enhance security
- The team abandoned its tour due to security concerns.
- The two countries agreed to work together to strengthen border security.
- We will protect our national security.
- Before I can answer your question I have to take you through security (= ask some questions to check a person's identity).
Extra ExamplesTopics Law and justiceb1- For security reasons, passengers are requested not to leave any luggage unattended.
- Screw windows to the frame for maximum security.
- The leaking of state secrets has compromised national security.
- He lost his security clearance because he failed a lie-detector test.
- The demonstrations were brutally broken up by the security forces.
- Soldiers stand at security checkpoints.
Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective- heightened
- strict
- tight
- …
- provide (somebody with)
- ensure
- guarantee
- …
- apparatus
- forces
- services
- …
- security against
- for security reasons
- a high level of security
- peace and security
- …
- [uncountable] a place at an airport where you go after your passport has been checked so that officials can find out if you are carrying illegal drugs or weapons
- My bag was emptied and searched when I went through security.
- It took ages to clear security and reach the departure lounge.
- Airport security might decide you're unfit to fly.
- [uncountable + singular or plural verb] the department of a large company or organization that deals with the protection of its buildings, equipment and staff
- Security was/were called to the incident.
- [uncountable] protection against something bad that might happen in the future
- financial security
- Which type of investment offers the greatest security?
- This system provides basic security for employees.
Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective- greater
- emotional
- psychological
- …
- have
- give (somebody)
- provide (somebody with)
- …
- blanket
- a false sense of security
- a feeling of security
- a sense of security
- …
- [uncountable] the state of feeling happy and safe from danger or worry
- the security of a loving family life
- She'd allowed herself to be lulled into a false sense of security (= a feeling that she was safe when in fact she was in danger).
Extra ExamplesTopics Feelingsb2- He gave her the emotional security she needed.
- They have the security of a good home.
Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective- greater
- emotional
- psychological
- …
- have
- give (somebody)
- provide (somebody with)
- …
- blanket
- a false sense of security
- a feeling of security
- a sense of security
- …
- [uncountable, countable] a valuable item, such as a house, that you agree to give to somebody if you are unable to pay back the money that you have borrowed from them
- as security for something His home and business are being held as security for the loan.
- She pledged her jewellery as security for a £50 000 loan.
- His father agreed to stand security for his son's house-purchase loan.
- The bank will make a loan against the security of the lender's house.
Oxford Collocations Dictionaryverb + security- put up (something as)
- use something as
- hold (something as)
- …
- against the security of
- as security
- security for
- …
- securities[plural] (finance) documents proving that somebody is the owner of shares, etc. in a particular company
- government securities
Extra Examples- a securities lawyer with Tinson and Zelkins
- the faltering securities market
- Wall Street securities firms
Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective- agency
- company
- corporate
- …
- issue
- buy
- purchase
- …
- company
- firm
- market
- …
see also old age security, social security
protection
feeling happy/safe
for a loan
shares in company
Word Originlate Middle English: from Old French securite or Latin securitas, from securus ‘free from care’, from se- ‘without’ + cura ‘care’.
Check pronunciation:
security