social-security
UK[ˌsəʊʃl sɪˈkjʊərəti]US[ˌsoʊʃl səˈkjʊrəti]
n
A government system that provides financial assistance to people with an inadequate or no income, especially the elderly, unemployed, or disabled.
n
The specific US federal program of old-age, survivors, and disability insurance.
Morpheme Breakdown
social
security
social
relating to society
security
safety
Etymology
The term "social security" is a modern compound, first used in its governmental sense in the 1930s. It combines the concept of collective societal welfare ("social") with the promise of stable, guaranteed protection ("security"). The word "social" traces back to the Latin 'socius', meaning companion or ally, emphasizing communal bonds. "Security" originates from Latin 'securus', meaning free from care, which itself is formed from 'se-' (without) and 'cura' (care). Thus, the term's literal logic is "societal freedom from care," a concept that evolved from ancient ideas of alliance and safety into a specific framework for state-provided economic safety nets.
Analysis
Structure: social (relating to society) + security (safety)
social: From Latin 'socialis' (allied, companionable), from 'socius' (companion, ally). In this compound, it functions as an adjective modifying the type of security, indicating it is provided by or for the collective society.
security: From Latin 'securitas' (freedom from care, safety), from 'securus' (free from care, safe). In this compound, it functions as a noun denoting the state of being safe or protected, specifically from financial hardship.
Examples
Many retirees depend on their social security benefits as a primary source of income.
The proposed legislation aims to strengthen the long-term funding of the social security system.
To apply for disability payments, you must contact the Social Security Administration.