security guard

American  

noun

1. a uniformed guard employed by a bank, airport, office building, etc., to maintain security.

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security guard British  

noun

1. a person employed to protect buildings, people, etc, and to collect and deliver large sums of money

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Etymology

Origin of security guard

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

The armed security guard at the San Diego mosque would greet every visitor without fail, responding “Salam wa rahamatullahi wa barakatuh” or “May the peace, mercy, and blessings of Allah be upon you too.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 22, 2026

A mosque security guard is being remembered for courageous actions that authorities say saved lives in the attack on the Islamic Center of San Diego that left three people dead.

From BBC • May 19, 2026

San Diego Police Department Chief Scott Wahl said the suspects ran past the security guard, identified as Amin Abdullah, at about 11:40 on Monday morning.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 19, 2026

He said a security guard at the Islamic center was among the three victims killed and his response had helped prevent a deadlier attack.

From Barron's • May 18, 2026

Then someone starts talking on the walkie, and the security guard lifts it closer to his ear.

From "A Soft Place to Land" by Janae Marks

Related Words

• caretaker
• custodian
• patrolman
• policeman
• warden