security risk

American  

noun

1. a person considered by authorities as likely to commit acts that might threaten the security of a country.

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security risk British  

noun

1. a person deemed to be a threat to state security in that he could be open to pressure, have subversive political beliefs, etc

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Etymology

Origin of security risk

First recorded in 1950–55

Example Sentences

I made a judgment call based on information we obtained from the hotel, events I had witnessed in the days prior and the heightened overall security risk of our location.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026

The AI company is challenging its designation as a national security risk by the Pentagon.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 25, 2026

Defending its business model, Sony told London's Competition Appeal Tribunal that third-party stores posed a security risk and it also used software sales to subsidise sales of its consoles.

From BBC • Mar. 10, 2026

“In carrying out such bets, relying on secret and classified information, there is a real security risk to IDF activities and state security,” the Israel Police said in a statement External link.

From Barron's • Feb. 27, 2026

No one could memorize this layout in a day—perhaps not even in a week—and yet we weren’t allowed to bring our maps inside; they were thought to be a security risk.

From "Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing" by Ted Conover