Security Blanket Definition & Meaning

American

British

Idioms

Etymology

Examples

Synonyms security blanket American

noun

1. a blanket or other familiar item carried especially by a young child to provide reassurance and a feeling of psychological security.

2. someone or something that gives a person a sense of protection or a feeling of security.

   His wealthy uncle is his security blanket.

security blanket British

noun

1. a policy of temporary secrecy by police or those in charge of security, in order to protect a person, place, etc, threatened with danger, from further risk

2. a baby's blanket, soft toy, etc, to which a baby or young child becomes very attached, using it as a comforter

3. informal anything used or thought of as providing reassurance

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012 security blanket Idioms

1. Something that dispels anxiety, as in I always carry my appointments calendar; it's my security blanket. This colloquial term, dating from about 1960, was at first (and still is) used for the blanket or toy or other object held by a young child to reduce anxiety.

Etymology

Origin of security blanket

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Endries emerged as a reliable security blanket for Harris, who targeted him throughout the game.

From Los Angeles Times

“True security blanket. He’s someone I can go to at any moment and he’s going to make a big play happen.”

From Los Angeles Times

They act as a filing system, inspiration and even a security blanket, but when the case is solved, Preston asks: “Why would she need the totes anymore?”

From Los Angeles Times

"I couldn't explain it, though I did find articles describing the phenomenon. Maybe it was Freudian - beard as security blanket. Maybe it was Jungian - beard as mask. Whatever, it made me calmer..." wrote Prince Harry.

From BBC

One of the game’s best route runners, the dependable Cooper is a security blanket for Watson and P.J.

From Washington Times

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.