Securities
sɪˈkjʊərɪtiz
Definitions
2 meaningsFinancial instruments, such as stocks, bonds, or options, that represent ownership in a company or a debt obligation.
sɪˈkjʊərɪtiz
Financial instruments representing ownership or debt.
The company issued new securities to raise capital.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're buying a piece of a company or lending it money. Securities are the official papers proving you own that piece or lent the money. They help companies raise money and let people invest!
👶 For kids: Pieces of paper or things that show you own part of a company or that someone owes you money.
More Examples
Investors analyze securities to assess their risk and potential return.
The government regulates the trading of securities to protect investors.
How It's Used
"The investor diversified their portfolio by purchasing various securities."
"Regulations ensure the fair trading of securities on the market."
Measures taken to guard against crime, attack, sabotage, espionage, or other dangers.
sɪˈkjʊərɪtiz
Measures or precautions taken to guard against crime or attack.
The company enhanced its network securities after a cyberattack.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're trying to keep something or someone safe. These are all the methods and systems, like locks or alarms, that help.
👶 For kids: Things that keep you safe, like locks on doors or police officers.
More Examples
The building had extensive security systems, including surveillance cameras.
National securities are of paramount importance to any government.
How It's Used
"Airport securities were heightened after the incident."
"The country increased its national securities in response to the threat."
Synonyms
Assets
Bonds
Equities
Investments
Defenses
Measures
Precautions
Protection
Safeguards
Idioms & expressions
security blanket
Something that provides a sense of comfort and safety, often a familiar object or routine.
"As a child, he always carried his teddy bear; it was his security blanket."
national security
The protection of a nation's interests from external and internal threats.
"The government convened a meeting to discuss issues related to national security."
From Latin *sēcūrus* ('free from care') which evolved through legal usage to denote financial instruments guaranteeing a claim. It began to describe financial assets in the late 19th century.
Historically, the term 'securities' evolved from legal parlance to include financial instruments. The term gained popularity in the late 19th century and early 20th century with the development of modern financial markets.
Memory tip
Think of safe assets: Bonds, stock, and more.