What does security mean?
Security means protection against danger, crime, loss, or disruption, and it can also denote the condition of being safe from such threats. The word may refer broadly to a reassuring sense of stability, but it is especially common in formal and institutional contexts involving public protection, financial assets, workplace conditions, and the safeguarding of information or property. When used for financial products, it normally appears as the plural “securities,” referring to instruments such as shares and bonds. Security should not be confused with safety: safety more commonly concerns accidents and everyday hazards, while security often emphasizes deliberate threats and protection against unauthorized access. Although the word derives from a Latin expression meaning “free from care,” securing modern institutions, information systems, and investments requires continual attention and carefully maintained safeguards.
nounProtection against danger, loss, or disruption, or the state of being free from such threats. It may also refer to the people, measures, or arrangements that provide protection.
- The state of being protected from danger, loss, or disruption.
- The people, measures, and arrangements that protect against threats or unauthorized access.
- Confidence, stability, or freedom from worry in a person's circumstances.
- A financial instrument, such as a share, bond, or other tradable asset, usually used in the plural.
"The new system strengthens the security of sensitive customer information."
"Improved access control greatly increased the building's security."
"A mix of job security and flexible working arrangements helps retain experienced staff."
"The company issued securities to finance its expansion."
The regular plural is correct for multiple instances or assets. In financial contexts, “securities” conventionally means tradable financial instruments such as shares and bonds.
"The fund invests mainly in government and corporate securities."
Security ultimately comes from the Latin securus, meaning “free from care”—though keeping any system secure is rarely a carefree task.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of security
The word entered Middle English through Old French securite, which was derived from Latin securitas. Latin securitas came from securus, meaning “safe” or “free from care or anxiety”; securus was formed from se-, meaning “without,” and cura, meaning “care.” Related English words include secure, safety, and sure, all reflecting the same Latin root.
How security is actually used
In general use, the word covers both the condition of being protected and the means of protection. It is also common in institutional, governmental, and financial contexts. In the financial sense, it is normally found in the plural.
Easily confused with security
Safety generally concerns the prevention of accidents and harm, whereas security focuses especially on protection from deliberate threats, crime, espionage, or unauthorized access.