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

It said in a statement to BBC Verify that it was now switching to a system of "managed distribution" and would share selected images "on a one-off basis until the security risk has abated".

From BBC • Apr. 11, 2026

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

“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

Panama officials say that canal operations weren’t affected by China’s economic expansion, and its presence didn’t pose a security risk.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 30, 2026

They believed his hunger for publicity made him a security risk.

From "The Woman All Spies Fear" by Amy Butler Greenfield