security
UK[sɪˈkjʊərəti]US[səˈkjʊrəti]
n
the state of being free from danger or threat
n
the safety of a state or organization against criminal activity such as terrorism, theft, or espionage
n
a thing deposited or pledged as a guarantee of the fulfillment of an undertaking or the repayment of a loan, to be forfeited in case of default
Morpheme Breakdown
se
cur
ity
se
without
cur
care
ity
noun suffix
Etymology
The word 'security' originates from the Latin 'securitas', which itself is derived from 'securus', meaning 'free from care' or 'untroubled'. This Latin term is a compound of the prefix 'se-', implying 'without', and 'cura', meaning 'care' or 'anxiety'. The conceptual journey moves from the literal ancient sense of a personal, mental state of being without worry, to the modern, more abstract and institutionalized meaning of a condition or measures that provide safety and protection from external threats. This evolution reflects a shift from an internal feeling to an external, guaranteed state of affairs.
Analysis
Structure: se (without) + cur (care) + ity (noun suffix)
se- (Latin prefix meaning 'without', 'apart'); cur- (from Latin 'cura', meaning 'care', 'concern'); -ity (Latin noun-forming suffix denoting a state or condition)
Examples
The new software update improves the system's security against hackers.
He works for a company that provides airport security.
The bonds are backed by the government as security for the investment.