security risk

American  

noun

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

---

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

---

Etymology

Origin of security risk

First recorded in 1950–55

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

security risk

“Cleland did not engage in unlawful activity or otherwise take any action suggesting that she posed a security risk during this time period,” the lawsuit states.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 24, 2026

National Guard unit deemed his tattoos to be a security risk — citing concerns about “insider threats” — and he was not allowed to work the security detail for President Biden’s 2021 inauguration.

From Salon ● Jun. 22, 2026

But those plans are shrouded in secrecy due to national security risk: They are accessible to the public, but can only be viewed in specialized reading rooms with a government monitor present.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 19, 2026

As I started to dig in, one of the first things obvious to me was the national security risk.

From Barron's ● May 21, 2026

“I am proud of my daughter as well. But there is a security risk here with the other two.”

From "The Titan's Curse" by Rick Riordan