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

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

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

Kennedy was never told the spy’s real name; that would be an unnecessary security risk.

From "Fallout: Spies, Superbombs, and the Ultimate Cold War Showdown" by Steve Sheinkin