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

Under the proposed deal, Cohen would become CEO of a combined company that uses GameStop’s physical stores as hubs for eBay’s authentication and fulfillment services.

From MarketWatch • May 4, 2026

These include a one-hour lag at the payer's end in account-to-account transactions and additional authentication by a "trusted person" for high-value digital payments by vulnerable sections of society such as elderly people.

From BBC • Apr. 29, 2026

The process works much like two-factor authentication on a banking website.

From Science Daily • Apr. 2, 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