| 释义 |
security|sɪˈkjʊərɪtɪ|
Forms: 5 securytye, securite(e, 6–7 securitye, securitie, 6– security.
[ad. L. sēcūritās, f. sēcūr-us: see secure a. and -ity. Cf. F. sécurité (16th c. in Hatz.-Darm.), Sp. seguridad, Pg. seguridade.]
I. The condition of being secure.
1. a. The condition of being protected from or not exposed to danger; safety.
1432–50tr. Higden (Rolls) I. 77 Also hit [Paradise] hathe securite, to the whiche seyenge the altitude of the place berrethe testimonye [Lat. Habet et securitatem cui attestatur loci altitudo]. 1492Ryman Poems lxxx. 3 in Archiv Stud. neu. Spr. LXXXIX. 249 Thyne eye of grace vpon vs cast, Of helth and of securitee. 1582Stanyhurst æneis i. (Arb.) 25 Therefor No worldly corner can theyme securitye warrant. 1617Moryson Itin. ii. 13 This Earle providing for his securitie, about this time imprisoned the above mentioned sonnes of Shane ONeale. 1745in Col. Rec. Pennsylv. V. 26 Some Provision should be made for the Security of our Frontier Settlements at least. 1781Gibbon Decl. & F. xxxi. III. 229 The emperor and his court enjoyed..the security of the marshes and fortifications of Ravenna. 1861M. Pattison Ess. (1889) I. 46 The Esterlings..lay in security behind their walls, while the Flemish and other foreign residents fell helpless victims to the rage of the populace. 1903A. Smellie Men of Covenant xxxii. (ed. 2) 352 His security lay, of course, in his lord's deafness.
b. The safety or safeguarding of (the interests of) a state, organization, person, etc., against danger, esp. from espionage or theft; the exercise of measures to this end; (the maintenance of) secrecy about military movements or diplomatic negotiations; in espionage, the maintenance of cover. Hence (with capital initial), a department (in government service, etc.) charged with ensuring this. (This sense tends towards ‘the condition of making secure’.)
1941Times 16 July 3/1 In order to ensure public security, the occupation of the principal localities in Syria and the Lebanon will be undertaken in accordance with the programme which will allow immediate replacement of French by the occupying forces. 1941E. John Lofoten Let. 34 Major Talbot..prides himself..on the ‘security’ of this expedition... [note] That is the Army term for what normal people call ‘secrecy’. 1945[see leakage 2]. 1955Bull. Atomic Sci. Apr. 165/3 ‘Security’, as it relates to the continuing struggle between the free world and the Soviet bloc, is an abundantly common yet widely misunderstood word. 1959Listener 8 Oct. 558/1 You can call at offices, clubs, studios, and institutions—anywhere that does not verge on security—and usually they will tell you, foreigner though you are, the telephone numbers of their staff. 1961R. Seth Anat. Spying v. 83 In the spy's vocabulary, Security means doing nothing that is likely to reveal his clandestine rôle... Each separate aspect of Security may be small..but any one aspect neglected is sufficient to cause the spy's downfall. 1965M. Allingham Mind Readers vi. 59, I thought that might have been what Security told you when they sent for you. 1976M. Delving China Expert iv. 44 Security persuaded him to leave the army, and a place was found for him in..MI5. 1976Daily Tel. 20 July 2/3 Security at places like the airport is always under review. 1982Observer 6 June 1/7 While Israeli reaction has been to praise the British police..there is some evidence that security outside the hotel was lax.
2. Freedom from doubt; confidence, assurance. Now chiefly, well-founded confidence, certainty.
1597A. M. tr. Guillemeau's Fr. Chirurg. 31 b/2 We may safelye, and with all securitye, vse them. 1646Sir T. Browne Pseud. Ep. i. x. 42 Hee begets a security of himselfe, and a carelesse eye unto the last remunerations. 1749Chesterfield Lett. II. clxxxvi. 193 Negligence would imply either an indifference about pleasing, or else an insolent security of pleasing. 1782F. Burney Cecilia v. i, Rest no security upon yourself,..since you have no knowledge of the many tricks and inventions by which you may be plundered. 1790― Diary July, He came..with an honest, straightforward security of the welcome he really found. 1802M. Edgeworth Moral T. (1816), I. xix. 154 The..foreman..appealed, with assumed security, to the entry in the books. 1849C. Brontë Shirley xv, She told Mr. Hall they might count on her with security. 1870Lowell Study Wind. 122 [The articles] are distinguished by a certain security of judgement, remarkable at any time, remarkable especially in one so young.
3. Freedom from care, anxiety or apprehension; a feeling of safety or freedom from or absence of danger. Formerly often spec. (now only contextually) culpable absence of anxiety, carelessness.
1555J. Bradford in Coverdale Lett. Martyrs (1564) 266 Our vayne glory, our viciousness, avarice, ydleness, security. 1575–85Abp. Sandys Serm. xii. 189 They..were drowned in sinnefull securitie. 1605Shakes. Macb. iii. v. 32 Security Is Mortals cheefest Enemie. 1647Sprigge Anglia Rediv. ii. i. (1854) 70 As if he intended to surprise the town, thinking to find them in security. 1679Penn Addr. Prot. i. viii. (1692) 39 His Security (the Effect of his Luxury) was his Ruin. 1726Leoni Alberti's Archit. I. 69/1 The archers may privately annoy the enemy, as he moves about the Field in security. 1774Burke Let. to Marq. Rockingh. Corr. 1844 I. 496 The supineness, neglect, and blind security of my friend, in that, and every thing that concerns him. 1780Johnson Let. to Thrale 30 May, Do not remit your care; for in your condition it is certain that security will produce danger. 1810M. Brunton Self-control xxv, Lady Pelham smiled at Laura's security, which she did not consider as an infallible sign of safety. 1823Scott Peveril xix, The security and carelessness of the sentinels, who had suffered such preparations to be made without observation or alarm given. 1858Sat. Rev. 17 July 51 Every Government knew exactly when there was reason for alarm, and when there was excuse for security. 1876Mozley Univ. Serm. iii. (1877) 63 It is an imaginary immortality which encloses him in sevenfold security, even while he stands upon its very last edge. 1977Monitor (McAllen, Texas) 7 June 16a, A feeling of security comes with owning your own home. 1979R. Jaffe Class Reunion (1980) iii. i. 305 She knew now it was one of her weaknesses to look for total security.
4. The quality of being securely fixed or attached, stability, fixity.
1849Sk. Nat. Hist., Mammalia IV. 169 Who can mistake the meaning..of the security of the union of the clavicle to the large scapula?
II. A means of being secure.
5. Something which secures or makes safe; a protection, guard, defence.
a. Const. against, from, † for.
a1586Sidney Arcadia iii. (Sommer) 286 b, For your securitie for any treacherie (hauing no hostage woorthie to counteruaile you) take my woorde, which I esteeme aboue all respectes. 1664Tillotson Serm. i. Wks. (1714) 23 If the providence of God be taken away, what security have we against those innumerable dangers to which human nature is continually expos'd? 1691T. H[ale] Acc. New Invent. 21 Universal Practice..does at this day make Lead the common security of Iron-work against Rust. 1736Butler Anal. i. v. Wks. 1874 I. 96 Mankind..stand in need of virtuous habits, for a security against this danger. 1828–32Webster s.v., A navy constitutes the security of Great Britain from invasion. 1832H. Martineau Life in Wilds i. 21 A good fire..was always a perfect security against the attacks of wild beasts. 1839Lane Arab. Nts. I. 94 And I have no security against thy killing me by a thing that I may smell, or by some other means.
b. Without const.
1641Baker Chron., Hen. I (1653) 64 Anjou was neighbouring upon Normandy, a great security to it, if a friend; and as great danger, if an enemy. 1658Jer. Taylor Let. in 12th Rep. Hist. MSS. Comm. App. v. 5 Nothing is so great a security to love as never to remember any unkindnesse. 1743Tindal tr. Rapin's Hist. xvii. II. 62/2 She at last formed two Parties in the Court and Kingdom, which proved her security, as she was necessary to Both. 1791Mrs. Radcliffe Rom. Forest ii, Concealment was his only security. 1817Jas. Mill Brit. India II. iv. vi. 230 He endeavoured to obtain the security of at least a written promise for these terms which had been offered to gain his consent. 1874Green Short Hist. viii. §2 (1882) 464 The only security for truth was to draw a hard and fast line between truth and falsehood. 1881Froude Short Stud. IV. ii. v. 226 Piety, which is a security for good faith, is none against credulity.
†6. A means of securing or fixing in position.
1793Smeaton Edystone L. §227 The utility of trenails as a security till the mortar was become hard.
7. a. Ground for regarding something as secure, safe, or certain; an assurance, guarantee.
1623Cockeram ii, Securitie giuen one for safe comming. Safe conduite. 1654Whitlock Zootomia 19 To contemne Fame is but a security of doing ill. 1711Swift Conduct of Allies Wks. 1901 V. 71 We could have no security for our trade, while that kingdom [Spain] was subject to a prince of the Bourbon family. 1715Atterbury Serm. (1734) I. 138 What Security have We, that, abusing and despising the same Mercies, we shall not smart under the same Judgments? 1751Jortin Serm. (1771) IV. xv. 301 We can have no access to him, no security of His favor, unless we endeavour to conform to His precepts. 1805Wordsw. Poems Sent. xx. Ode Duty 20 When love is an unerring light, And joy its own security. 1856Macaulay Biog., Goldsm. (1860) 71 Both what was good and what was bad in Goldsmith's character was, to his associates, a perfect security that he would never commit such villany. 1863Fawcett Pol. Econ. ii x. 282 What therefore, the poor especially require when they buy their tea and sugar is, the security that they obtain an unadulterated article.
b. Act of Security: an Act passed by the Scottish Parliament in 1704, excluding Queen Anne's successor from the throne of Scotland unless conditions of government were enacted which should secure the independence of the kingdom.
1710–11Swift Examiner No. 30 Wks. 1902 IX. 192 That unnatural league was afterwards cultivated by another incident; I mean the Act of Security.
8. Property deposited or made over, or bonds, recognizances, or the like entered into, by or on behalf of a person in order to secure his fulfilment of an obligation, and forfeitable in the event of non-fulfilment; a pledge, caution. Phrases, to enter (in or into) security, find security, give (in) security, go, † put in security, take security.
a. As securing a person's ‘good behaviour’, his appearance in court at a specified time, or his performance of some undertaking.
1450Rolls of Parlt. V. 181/2 Where securitee of peas was axed bifore you in your said Court. 1611Bible Acts xvii. 9 And when they had taken securitie of Iason, and of the other, they let them goe. 1621H. Elsing Debates Ho. Lords (Camden) 96 Putt in good securitye to fynde out Watson by Monday come sen-night... To remayne in prison untell he putt in securitye here. 1658–9Burton's Diary (1828) IV. 6, I move that he enter security. The person complaining, is a person of as great worth as any person can be. 1668–9Pepys Diary 5 Mar., Being this day summoned..to give in security for his good behaviour. 1712Arbuthnot John Bull i. iii. 7 You must find sufficient Security to us, our Heirs and Assigns, that you will not employ Lewis Baboon. 1724Swift Drapier's Lett. iii. Wks. 1735 IV. 118 Knox..was obliged..to enter into Security for so doing. 1790J. Bruce Source of Nile I. iii. 46 We obliged him to give his son Mahomet in security for his behaviour towards us. 1797Month. Mag. III. 550/1 Where special bail is required, the sheriff may take security of the defendant, by bond,..for his appearance. 1828–32Webster s.v., Violent and dangerous men are obliged to give security for their good behavior, or for keeping the peace. 1883Act 46 & 47 Vict. c. 52 §21 (2) The person so appointed shall give security in manner prescribed to the satisfaction of the Board of Trade.
b. As securing the payment of a debt.
1576Reg. Privy Council Scot. II. 539 To subscrive and returne the forme of security. 1592Nobody & Someb. C 2, Without good securitie they will lend Nobody mony. 1607Dekker & Webster Westw. Hoe iv. i, Tent... Wel sir, your security? Amb. Why sir two Diamonds here. c1613Rowlands Paire Spy-Knaves 15 Bonds, Bils, and words, I'le trust none of you three. Bring good securitie to deale with me. a1687Petty Pol. Arith. Pref., Those who can give good Security, may have Money under the Statute-Interest. 1711–12Swift Jrnl. to Stella 22 Mar., The French have offered..to give us Dunkirk, and the Dutch Namur, for security, till the peace is made. 1724in Fasti Aberd. (1854) 205 Money..to be laid out..upon land or upon reall or personal security, and the interest or yearly produce thereof is to be applyed [etc.]. 1766Blackstone Comm. II. 480 The petitioners..must be bound in a security of 200 l, to make the party amends in case they do not prove him a bankrupt. 1818Cruise Digest (ed. 2) II. 90 The mortgagee holds the estate merely as a pledge or security for the repayment of his money. 1833H. Martineau Manch. Strike viii. 85 It was frequently necessary to borrow money,..on the security of what was to come in during the next week. 1868Rogers Pol. Econ. ix. 107 The reason why this personage [the employer] exists in modern trade and manufacture arises from the facts that he has security on which to borrow [etc.]. 1874W. Markby Elem. Law (ed. 2) §496, I shall also use the word security to express any transaction between the debtor and creditor by which the performance of such a service [sc. one capable of being represented in money] is secured.
c. transf.
1649E. Reynolds Hosea ii. 69 We..stagger and be disheartened, if we have not double securitie from God. a1744Swift Serm. Testimony Consc. Wks. 1898 IV. 127 It is impossible for a man who openly declares against religion, to give any reasonable security that he will not be false and cruel. 1825Scott Talism. i, But what security dost thou offer that thou wilt observe the truce? 1878R. B. Smith Carthage 283 The word of a Gracchus..was his bond; and a bond which was a first-rate security.
9. One who pledges himself (or is pledged) for another, a surety.
1597Shakes. 2 Hen. IV, i. ii. 38 He said sir, you should procure him better Assurance, then Bardolfe: he wold not take his Bond and yours, he lik'd not the Security. 1627Sir T. Hope Let. in Scottish Hist. Soc. Misc. (1893) I. 93 And for the nott of the Irische landis, it salbe sent with the securities quhen thay go to Irland. 1686tr. Chardin's Trav. Persia 43 He would engage his word and be security for the performance of what the Chancellor had declar'd. 1690Wood Life 31 Jan. (O.H.S.) III. 324 They were bailed on great security given by each on their owne parts, and on the parts of their security. 1710Swift Jrnl. to Stella 13 Nov., When one [of the two people bound] dies, you fall upon the other, and make him add another security. 1721J. Perry Stopping Dagenham Breach 93 One of my Securitys..promised to take care of the finishing the work in my Absence. 1786Burke Art. agst. W. Hastings Wks. 1842 II. 143 Croftes offered the said Richard Johnson as one of his securities for the performance of the said contract. 1844Dickens Mart. Chuz. xxvii, B wants a loan... B proposes self and two securities. B is accepted. Two securities give a bond. 1908Blackw. Mag. Aug. 213/2 So, with their security and some others, I started in pursuit, and next morning came up with the fugitives.
transf.1681Luttrell Brief Rel. (1857) I. 135 There was..a motion made that the citty should undertake the businesse of insuring houses from fire, and that the chamber of London should be the security.
10. A document held by a creditor as guarantee of his right to payment. Hence, any particular kind of stock, shares, or other form of investment guaranteed by such documents. Also, in the U.S., such a document issued to investors to finance a business venture. Chiefly pl.
1690Child Disc. Trade (1698) 7–8 Their keeping up publick registers of all lands and houses, sold or mortgaged, whereby..the securities of lands and houses [are] rendered indeed, such as we commonly call them, real securities. 1691Locke Consid. Lower. Interest (1692) 132 But how Securities will be mended by lowering of Interest, is, I confess, beyond my Comprehension. 1712Arbuthnot John Bull iii. viii. 33 When I wanted Money, half a dozen of these Fellows were always waiting in my Antichamber with their Securities ready drawn. 1746Ld. Hardwicke in Atkyns Chanc. Rep. (1782) III. 444 Neither South-Sea stock nor Bank stock are considered as a good security. 1788M. Cutler in Life, etc. (1888) I. 380 Continental Securities have been falling in Boston since my last return from New York. 1848Mill Pol. Econ. i. iv. §3 (1876) 39 He buys from the state what are called government securities; that is obligations on the government to pay a certain annual income. 1848[see negotiable a. 1]. 1872Rogers Capital & Lab. in Cassell's Techn. Educ. IV. 14/2 The labour of a stockbroker consists in purchasing securities on behalf of his customers, he receiving a fee in the form of a percentage on the purchase or sale of the security. 1879Daily News 26 May, Liquid Securities, or in other words, those easily convertible into cash when necessity arises. 1899Ann. Amer. Acad. Pol. & Soc. Sci. XIV. 181 The term ‘negotiable securities’ is applicable in a general sense to many forms of commercial paper, including drafts and bills of exchange, but it is usually employed for the share-capital of corporations and for the bonds of such corporations and of local and state governments. 1925R. H. Montgomery Financial Handbk. vii. 526 The financial executive..will naturally adapt the securities offered by his company so as best to fit in with the market he is trying to reach. 1937J. I. Bogen Corporation Finance xiii. 223 Most..successful enterprises can raise funds..through the sale of securities... So broad has the ownership of stocks and bonds become that the United States has been described as a ‘nation of investors’. 19622001 Business Terms (Alexander Hamilton Inst.) 246 Securities, stocks and bonds of business firms used to raise long-term capital. 1970M. Greener Penguin Dict. Commerce 296 Security, a misused term often applied indiscriminately to shares, debentures, etc. In fact a security is something given or guaranteed by the borrower as a safeguard for a loan. The term is often applied to debentures and similar loan stock, and to negotiable instruments. Certificates of liability are known as securities, so sometimes are government stocks or any loans whose repayment is guaranteed. The term should not be applied to shares.
III. 11. attrib. as (senses 8, 10) security-bond, security-writ; also security (also securities) analyst U.S., a person who analyses the worth of securities, as by measuring the ratio of their cost to their dividends and earnings; security blanket orig. U.S. [idea popularized by the American cartoonist Charles M. Schulz (b. 1922) in the comic strip ‘Peanuts’ in which a boy named Linus carries a cot blanket for comfort], an object (esp. a blanket) given to a child to afford reassurance by its familiarity; also fig.; see also sense 12 e below; security-bolt, a device for securing a motor-tyre to the rim; security-grinder jocular, ? an assiduous deviser of securities.
1934Graham & Dodd Security Analysis vii. l. 586 There is a fundamental cleavage of viewpoint between the speculator and the *securities analyst. 1937N.Y. Times 18 May 40/4 Plans for the organization of the New York Society of Security Analysts. 1961‘E. Lathen’ Banking on Death iii. 22 One of Robichaux and Devane's security analysts was leaving the firm. 1979A. Maling Koberg Link (1980) xx. 109 I'm a securities analyst.
[1956C. M. Schulz Good Grief, More Peanuts 25 (caption) This is a ‘security and happiness’ blanket...All little kids carry them.] 1971Newsweek 19 July 48/1 Deferred-admissions plans—a sort of *security blanket that prospective students can carry with them during a year's sabbatical. 1973Ladies' Home Jrnl. Dec. 102 A worn, torn, one-eyed teddy bear about a foot long was my ‘security blanket’. 1975New Yorker 21 Apr. 99/1 There's a security-blanket comfort in thinking you have something there in actuarial terms that you can rely on. 1976New Society 28 Oct. 179/2 This [book], to give well deserved recognition to its usefulness..is already as dog⁓eared as a security blanket. 1978Maledicta II. 81 The subjunctive mood is his security blanket.
1903Motoring Ann. 304 Fig. 2 shows the *security bolt in the act of pinching the inner tube.
1715in J. Perry Stopping Dagenham Breach (1721) 131 That the *Security Bonds shall be deliver'd up to be cancell'd, when the Conditions are perform'd.
1827Canning Sp. 6 Mar. (1828) VI. 155 Since the year 1813, I certainly have not meddled in the workmanship of securities;..I assure my right honourable friend..that I am perfectly ready to vote for securities; but I am not to be set down as a *security-grinder.
1908Carnegie Trust Rep. 61 The *Security Writs have been exhibited to me.
12. attrib. with reference to (the maintenance of) security in military, penal, civil, and commercial contexts (see sense 1 b above).
a. Of devices which assist security, as security door, security fence, security gate, security lock, etc. Also, of areas so protected, as security wing.
1904A. Griffiths 50 Yrs. Publ. Service xvii. 232 The locks everywhere, to cells, passages, and in external or ‘security’ doors [were] of the newest and most approved pattern. 1963Security Gaz. V. 187/2 The main innovation at Blundeston is the 12 ft. high security fence. 1968Rep. Work Prison Dept. 6 in Parl. Papers 1967–68 (Cmnd. 3774) XXXI. 57 The use of special security wings to house prisoners who require the strictest security is an expedient which poses severe problems. 1971Country Life 10 June 1439/3, I gathered that they [sc. four stone figures] once guarded the four corners of Aldgate, one of London's well-known security gates. 1976‘M. Albrand’ Taste of Terror xviii. 107 I'm going to..put security locks on every door in the house. 1976Washington Post 19 Apr. c21/2 (Advt.), Will throw in bumper rack, tie downs, security chain & lock. 1976Evening Times (Glasgow) 1 Dec. 3/6 A key that was missing would let anyone escape from the block into the grounds—but it wouldn't let them out of the security gates.
b. Of measures, etc., intended to ensure security, as security clearance, security measure, security pact, security rating, etc.
1925Times 2 Sept. 11/4 The jurists..are discussing the technical details of the proposed Security Pact at the Foreign Office. 1945News Rev. 10 May 9 The security black-out will be lifted to enable us to print some details about the nation's war effort. 1952Ann. Reg. 1951 424 There were renewed expressions of disquiet from scientists about the encroachment of security measures on personal freedom of speech and action. 1955M. Reifer Dict. New Words 185/1 Security clearance, the establishment, by means of investigation and executive determination, that a prospective federal employee or consultant is not a security risk, and may be hired. 1958New Statesman 20 Sept. 365/2 With the off-shore islands and Formosa blanketed by a security screen, it is difficult to know exactly what is happening there. 1963Mrs. L. B. Johnson White House Diary 2 Dec. (1970) 13 Dr. Henry Smyth, the lone dissenter in the 4-to-1 Commission decision when Dr. Oppenheimer lost his security clearance. 1963L. Deighton Horse under Water xxi. 94 Act grown-up or I'll cut your security rating back. 1976H. Tracy Death in Reserve xv. 118 It's your red area security pass. 1978R. Ludlum Holcroft Covenant xxxi. 363 Suppose the guards were more alert, security measures more effective.
c. Of persons or organizations charged with the maintenance of security, as security guard, security man, security officer, security police, security service, etc. Also security van.
1940Hutchinson's Pictorial Hist. War 4 Feb.–9 Apr. 180 It was quiet on the island at first, the Nazis believing the raiders to be just another security patrol. 1944P. Gibbs Battle Within 135 If one of our Security Police had been in the church to-day he might have tapped you on the shoulder after the service and led you off to Brixton Gaol. 1945Daily Express 4 June 1/1 A double check is being made by security officers on the three Belfast-Dublin trains that stop at Goraghwood daily for Customs examination. 1948Straits Times 20 July 6/2 It is still true that ‘the estates, mines and kampongs’—to echo Mr. MacDonald's broadcast again—do not feel that the security forces are doing enough for them. 1951N. Brook in Ld. Denning's Rep. 79 in Parl. Papers 1962–3 (Cmnd. 2152) XXIV. 349, I recommend that the Security Service should in future be responsible to the Home Secretary. 1955Earl Winterton Fifty Tumultuous Years 74 He had no aide-de-camp with him, no ‘security guard’ and no police escort, not even a groom. 1958New Statesman 7 June 716/2 But the Socialist Deputies of Nord and Pas de Calais..replied to these fears by saying openly to Guy Mollet: ‘If you're afraid of the paratroops and you can't depend on the security police, arm the miners.’ 1959Times Lit. Suppl. 27 Mar. 182/2 Ministers, Civil servants and security men buzzing round the graceless tycoon who is producing a new bomber. 1963A. Douglas-Home in Hansard Commons DCLXXXVI. 859 If we were to set up a Standing Security Commission, I think, first, that it should have a judicial chairman. 1965D. Francis Odds Against ix. 135 [We] could arrange for some sort of guard on the course. Security patrols, that kind of thing. 1966M. Woodhouse Tree Frog xxi. 153 There were no security guards..there wasn't anywhere to run to. 1970G. F. Newman Sir, You Bastard vii. 198 An attack on a security van. 1973Times 15 May 12/6 Britain's involvement in Northern Ireland was real and earnest, as the security forces knew. 1975D. Lodge Changing Places v. 165 A solitary security man in his shelter lifted a lazy hand in salute. 1975A. A. Thompson Message from Absalom iii. 17 Security police carrying rifles. 1976H. Wilson Governance of Britain ix. 167 Until 1952 the Prime Minister was directly responsible for the security service. 1978R. V. Jones Most Secret War liii. 520 One morning just before a weekend, the Security Officer rushed round the M.I.6 offices telling everyone to take down all maps off their walls. 1981‘W. Haggard’ Money Men xiii. 144 A security van drove up... It contained his loot.
d. With adjs. to form adjs., as security-conscious, security-minded (hence security-mindedness).
1943J. H. Fullarton Troop Target 26 ‘If you ask me,’ said Quigg, ‘this Fifth Column palaver is mostly propaganda to make us security-minded.’ 1955I. Fleming Moonraker xv. 149 Drax..seemed to be meticulously security-conscious. 1955M. Gilbert Sky High v. 69 The Inspector's tone implied exactly what he thought about the security-mindedness of County Councillors. 1960‘R. East’ Kingston Black xx. 185 In military intelligence it's second nature to be security-minded about public telephones. 1968M. Jones Survivor i. 22 I've always heard they're madly careless in the Air Force. Not security-conscious like the Navy. 1972M. Gilbert Body of Girl xxiii. 200 He decided to test the security-mindedness of the person chiefly concerned. 1976‘M. Barak’ Secret List Heinrich Roehm i. iv. 46 The Israelis are going to be much more security-minded now.
e. Special Combs.: security blanket, an official sanction introduced in order to maintain complete secrecy or safety from danger; see also sense 11 above; security check, (a) a verification of identity or reliability, spec. of the loyalty of an official employee, for the purposes of security; (b) a phrase incorporated in a broadcast message from a spy to confirm his identity or to indicate that he is not operating under duress; hence security-check v. trans., to subject to a security check; Security Council, a principal council of the United Nations consisting permanently of the Great Powers of 1945 and temporarily of certain others, charged with the settlement of disputes (and orig. with the threat of military action against aggressors); security risk, a person whose tenure of an official position constitutes a possible danger to the security of the state, etc.; also, a situation endangering security.
1955New Yorker 5 Feb. 88/2 The size of the Regular Army is under a security blanket at present. 1972Times 13 Sept. 8/8 At Heathrow..there was a tight security blanket.
1945Daily Express 4 June 1/1 A security check on their identity cards and permits on the Ulster-Eire border showed that they were apparently in order. 1961R. Seth Anat. Spying vi. 98 The operator is instructed to insert in all his messages what is known as a Security-check. 1966‘A. Hall’ 9th Directive iii. 31 With the flap on..they were probably security-checking the Ambassador himself. 1978R. Ludlum Holcroft Covenant xxxii. 374 Security check requested. 1979F. Forsyth Devil's Alternative x. 232 The cipher clerks are..security-checked to the highest level.
1944Times 10 Oct. 5/6 Tentative proposals have been made for the establishment of a general international organization under the title of The United Nations. The proposals..deal with..its principal organs, including a General Assembly, a Security Council, and an International Court of Justice. 1968Security Council Proc. Czechoslovakia 3 in Parl. Papers 1967–8 (Cmnd. 3757) XLII. 229 The Security Council met at 6.30 p.m. (New York Time) on 21st August. After protracted debate, the Council agreed to the inscription of the item on Czechoslovakia on its agenda. 1977Whitaker's Almanack 1978 806/2 The Security Council consists of fifteen Members, each of which has one representative and one vote.
1948Security risk [see clearance 5 c]. 1951Ann. Reg. 1950 186 Mr. Acheson was..asked whether he himself, in view of his friendship for Hiss, could be considered a security risk. 1965M. Spark Mandelbaum Gate vii. 216 He disapproved of letting young chaps into the Foreign Service who openly professed to have no religion at all. A security risk, Freddy felt decidedly. 1975Radio Times 2–8 Aug. 43/3 He was accused of being a ‘security risk’ because of his early Communist associations. |