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

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

Former deputy cabinet secretary Helen MacNamara has criticised Downing Street for apparently not flagging McSweeney's phone theft to the police as a security risk.

From BBC • Mar. 26, 2026

Possibly he will be a security risk, now.

From "The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood