securities

Variant of security

noun pl. securities

  1. the state of being or feeling secure; freedom from fear, anxiety, danger, doubt, etc.; state or sense of safety or certainty
  2. something that gives or assures safety, tranquillity, certainty, etc.; protection; safeguard
    1. protection or defense against attack, interference, espionage, etc.: funds for national security
    2. protection or defense against escape: a maximum-security prison
    3. procedures to provide such protection or defense
  3. an organization or department whose task is protection or safety, esp. a private police force hired to patrol or guard a building, park, or other area: if you see an intruder, call security
    1. something given as a pledge of repayment, fulfillment of a promise, etc.; guarantee
    2. a person who agrees to make good the failure of another to pay, perform a duty, etc.; surety
  4. any evidence of debt or ownership; esp., a stock certificate or bond: usually used in pl.

Origin: ME securite < L securitas < securus: see secure

adjective

of, designating, or serving as security: security precautions, security guard
Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2010 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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