tighten security

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tighten security" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to making things, such as a building or a system, safer or more secure. For example: "In light of the recent attempted break-in, we need to tighten security around the office."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The authorities have since worked to tighten security.

The New York Times

Yet it urgently needs Egypt to tighten security.

The Economist

But nothing was apparently done to tighten security.

The Economist

Have they made efforts to tighten security since then?

The New York Times - Magazine

The airlines used their political clout to frustrate a lot of efforts to tighten security.

The New York Times

We will continue to tighten security because, yes, schools feel that they are under threat".

Independent

The desire to tighten security has led some centers around the country to destroy pathogens routinely.

The New York Times

A March 27 Department of Defense directive requires all Army installations to tighten security, he said.

The New York Times

The panel is also expected to recommend steps to tighten security at United Nations offices worldwide.

The New York Times

Ms. Dutkova said Slovakia had been making efforts to tighten security at the Ukraine border.

The New York Times

Their counterparts across the nation also scrambled to tighten security after the Bush administration's announcement.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair the phrase with the preposition "at" for specific locations (e.g., tighten security at the airport) or "around" for specific events or objects.

Common error

Do not use comparative adjectives like "more tighter" or "more secure" in a way that creates a double comparative. Use "tighten security further" rather than "make security more tighter".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tighten security" functions as a transitive verb phrase. It consists of the verb "tighten", which implies making something less loose or more rigorous, and the direct object "security", which refers to the state of being free from danger. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase follows standard English collocation rules and is used to describe corrective actions taken to mitigate risks.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Wiki

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "tighten security" is a highly effective and versatile phrase used across a variety of professional and public contexts. Data from Ludwig shows that it is the standard choice for media outlets and government agencies when discussing the implementation of stricter safety measures. Whether used in a physical context, such as border control, or a digital one, such as cybersecurity, it conveys a clear message of increased protection. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and high frequency, suggesting it as a top-tier choice for any writer needing to describe an upgrade in safety protocols.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strengthen security

Suggests making the underlying structure of security more robust and durable

heighten security

Focuses on raising the level of alertness or the visible presence of guards

step up security

Emphasizes an immediate increase in activity or the frequency of checks

intensify security

Implies a more vigorous or thorough application of existing protocols

enhance security

A more positive, business-oriented term often used for improving features

bolster security

Suggests providing additional support or reinforcement to vulnerable areas

reinforce security

Commonly used when physical barriers or extra personnel are added

toughen security

Carries a connotation of being more strict, restrictive, or uncompromising

increase security

A plain, neutral alternative focusing purely on quantity

beef up security

A colloquial and informal way to describe making something much stronger

FAQs

What does it mean to "tighten security"?

To "tighten security" means to make safety measures more strict, efficient, or restrictive to prevent unauthorized access or danger.

Is "tighten security" formal enough for a report?

Yes, it is perfectly acceptable for formal reports. However, if you want to sound even more professional, you might use "enhance security" or "strengthen security".

Can "tighten security" be used for digital systems?

Absolutely. It is frequently used in technical contexts to describe improving firewalls or encryption. You might also see terms like "bolster cybersecurity".

What is the opposite of "tighten security"?

The most common antonym is to "loosen security" or "relax security" measures.