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

• reauthentication
  noun

Etymology

Origin of authentication

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

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

authentication

Bekyarova-Delev told BBC North West Tonight when she first received the handbag she had no concerns, especially after paying £10 for its authentication service.

From BBC ● Aug. 11, 2026

Improving cybersecurity practices such as using two-factor authentication for devices is a start.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 29, 2026

"Inadequate basic safeguards, including poor management of authentication signing keys and lax access controls" caused the personal data of around 37.5 million users to be exposed, the commission said in a statement.

From Barron's ● Jun. 11, 2026

Downey, who conducts seminars on wine fraud and authentication training, has also been developing a blockchain registry for fine wine.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 31, 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