Noun

(uncountable) The condition of not being threatened, especially physically, psychologically, emotionally, or financially.

* Shakespeare

Give up yourself merely to chance and hazard, / From firm security .

* Jonathan Swift

Some alleged that we should have no security for our trade.

(countable) Something that secures.

An organization or department responsible for providing security by enforcing laws, rules, and regulations as well as maintaining order.

* {{quote-magazine, date=2012-12-14, author=Simon Jenkins, authorlink=Simon Jenkins

, volume=188, issue=2, page=23, date=2012-12-21, magazine=(The Guardian Weekly) , title= We mustn't overreact to North Korea boys' toys , passage=The threat of terrorism to the British lies in the overreaction to it of British governments. Each one in turn clicks up the ratchet of surveillance, intrusion and security . Each one diminishes liberty.}}

* {{quote-magazine, date=2013-06-08, volume=407, issue=8839, page=52, magazine=(The Economist)

, title= The new masters and commanders , passage=From the ground, Colombo’s port does not look like much. Those entering it are greeted by wire fences, walls dating back to colonial times and security posts. For mariners leaving the port after lonely nights on the high seas, the delights of the B52 Night Club and Stallion Pub lie a stumble away.}}

(legal) Something that secures the fulfillment of an obligation or law.

(legal) Freedom from apprehension.

(finance) Proof of ownership of stocks, bonds or other investment instruments.

(finance) Property etc. temporarily relinquished to guarantee repayment of a loan.

A guarantee.

* Macaulay

Those who lent him money lent it on no security but his bare word.

(obsolete) Carelessness; negligence.

* Shakespeare

He means, my lord, that we are too remiss, / Whilst Bolingbroke, through our security , / Grows strong and great in substance and in power.

Noun

(en noun)

A refuge, haven or other cover or protection from something.

* {{quote-book, year=1928, author=Lawrence R. Bourne

, title=Well Tackled! , chapter=7 citation , passage=The detective kept them in view. He made his way casually along the inside of the shelter until he reached an open scuttle close to where the two men were standing talking. Eavesdropping was not a thing Larard would have practised from choice, but there were times when, in the public interest, he had to do it, and this was one of them.}}

An institution that provides temporary housing for homeless people, battered women etc.