Security can mean protectionkeeping someone or something safe from danger or damage from harm, freedom from worry, safety, or a financialrelated to money, banking, or economic matters guarantee. It also has more specializedused for a narrower, technical purpose in a particular field meanings in finance, business, and technology.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-20. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Pronunciation
AI-generated pronunciation audio (OpenAI).
Accent: General American English
IPA: /sə-KYOOR-uh-tee/
Easy pronunciation: sə-KYOOR-uh-tee (approximate spelling).
Stress: Primary stress on the second syllable.
Pronounced for the noun meaning the state of being safe from danger or harm.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: uncertain — manual review needed. Checked: 2026-10-20. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Security Meaning
being protected and safe
Part of speech: noun
Definition: the state of being safe from danger or harm
Example: The security of the building has improved since the new cameras were installed.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- safety — A close everyday substitute when security means being safe from danger.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-20. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Other Meanings of Security
Meaning 2
a calm feeling that you are safe
Part of speech: noun
Definition: freedom from anxiety or fear
Example: The dog gave her a sense of security at night.
Meaning 3
having enough money and stability to feel financially safe
Part of speech: noun
Definition: defense against financial failure; financial independence
Example: Her savings gave her financial security after retirement.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- protection — Works only loosely here; it is related to financial safety but not a strong direct synonym.
Meaning 4
a financial certificate or investment certificate
Part of speech: noun
Definition: a formal declaration that documents a fact of relevance to finance and investment; the holder has a right to receive interest or dividends
Example: He bought securities as part of his retirement plan.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- certificate — Candidate synonym for this finance sense, though it is broader and less precise than security.
Meaning 5
an alarm device that helps protect a place
Part of speech: noun
Definition: an electrical device that sets off an alarm when someone tries to break in
Example: The new security system went off when the door was forced open.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- security measure — Can work for this sense when referring to an alarm or protective device.
- security system — A natural substitute when the meaning is a burglary alarm or related setup.
Meaning 6
the department or staff that guard a place
Part of speech: noun
Definition: a department responsible for the security of the institution's property and workers
Example: Call security if you see anything unusual.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- security department — A direct match when security means the guarding department or team.
Meaning 7
a promise or guarantee that something will be paid or done
Part of speech: noun
Definition: a guarantee that an obligation will be met
Example: The loan required security before the bank would approve it.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- surety — A strong synonym in legal and financial contexts.
Meaning 8
something valuable used as collateral
Part of speech: noun
Definition: property that your creditor can claim in case you default on your obligation
Example: The house was used as security for the loan.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- surety — Related in legal usage, but more often this sense is called collateral rather than surety.
Meaning 9
steps taken to protect against attacks or theft
Part of speech: noun
Definition: measures taken as a precaution against theft or espionage or sabotage etc.
Example: Airport security has become stricter.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- security measures — A direct substitute for precautions taken to prevent crime, spying, or sabotage.
Meaning 10
being out of danger
Part of speech: noun
Definition: the state of being free from danger or injury
Example: The passengers waited in security until the storm passed.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: inaccurate — correction needed. Checked: 2026-10-20. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Security Synonyms
Similar Meaning
- safety
financial independence or protection from financial failure
- protection
finance: investment instrument
- certificate
alarm device or protective system
- security measure
- security system
guarding department or staff
- security department
legal or financial guarantee
- surety
precautionary protective steps
- security measures
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-20. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Common Mistakes
- Using security to mean the same thing as safety in every context; security often implies protection, control, or a protective system.
- Confusing security with securities, which is the finance term for stocks, bonds, and similar investments.
- Using surety as a general synonym for security outside legal or financial contexts.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-20. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the basic meaning of security?
Security usually means being safe, protected, or free from danger. It can also refer to measures that protect people, property, or information.
What is a synonym for security?
A strong everyday synonym for security is safety. Other synonyms depend on the sense, such as surety in legal or financial use.
Is security always about safety?
No. Security can also mean financial stability, a protective system, a guarding department, or a financial guarantee depending on context.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-20. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.