authentication

American  

[aw-then-ti-key-shuhn] / ɔˌθɛn tɪˈkeɪ ʃən /

noun

1. the act or process of establishing something as genuine or authoritative.

   The requisite authentication was performed on each piece before it was donated to the museum.

2. Also called electronic authentication.  Digital Technology. the act or process of establishing identity and verifying permission to access an electronic device or computer network (often used attributively): biometric authentication;

   password authentication;

   biometric authentication;

   authentication credentials.

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• reauthentication
  noun

Etymology

Origin of authentication

First recorded in 1600–20; authenticat(e) ( def. ) + -ion ( def. )

Example Sentences

Since at least the Obama administration, the U.S. had been largely focused on defensive measures to protect elections, like multifactor authentication and encryption, which make it harder to compromise systems in the first place.

From Salon • May 21, 2026

Regulators should instead embrace tools that address emerging risks, including stronger authentication of communications, improved detection and blocking of fraudulent activity, and clearer disclosure when consumers are interacting with AI systems.

From MarketWatch • May 11, 2026

He advised affected individuals to stay vigilant, use strong passwords and two-factor authentication, and be cautions of suspicious emails or activity.

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

When you set up biometric authentication to confirm your identity when paying for purchases, a digital translation of your face or palm, say, is created and stored by the merchant or a third party.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 2026

“I mean...I’d like it if all of you started using Tor, maybe set up some two-factor authentication on your devices, took some steps to protect your own privacy.”

From "Anger Is a Gift" by Mark Oshiro

Related Words

• certification
• verification