noun pl. securities -·ties

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
3. 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
4. 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
5. 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
6. any evidence of debt or ownership; esp., a stock certificate or bond: usually used in pl.

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

adjective