homeland-security
UK[ˈhəʊmlænd sɪˈkjʊərəti]US[ˈhoʊmlænd sɪˈkjʊrəti]
n
The protection of a country's borders, people, and institutions from external threats, especially terrorism.
n
The government department or agency responsible for such protection.
Morpheme Breakdown
homeland
security
homeland
security
Etymology
The compound term "homeland-security" is a modern American English formation, gaining prominence after the September 11, 2001 attacks. Its first element, "homeland," is a Germanic compound dating to Old English, combining the concepts of dwelling/community ("home") and territory ("land") to evoke a nation as a collective native place. The second element, "security," originates from Latin securitas, built on the root securus ("without care"), implying a state free from danger. The term's logic lies in applying the concept of personal safety and freedom from care ("security") to the entire national territory and populace ("homeland"), framing national defense as the protection of the domestic sphere from external threats, particularly terrorism.
Analysis
Structure: homeland + security
homeland: Old English compound (hām + land). 'Home' (a dwelling place, native region) + 'land' (ground, territory). Functions as a noun meaning one's native country.
security: Latin (securitas). From 'se-' (without) + 'cura' (care, anxiety). Functions as a noun-forming suffix denoting a state or condition of being free from danger or threat.
Examples
The Department of Homeland Security was established in response to the 9/11 attacks.
Cybersecurity is now a critical component of national homeland security.
The new policy aims to balance homeland security with the protection of civil liberties.