authenticate

[aw-then-ti-keyt]

verb (used with object)

authenticated, authenticating 

1. to establish as genuine.

   Synonyms: substantiate, validate, confirm

2. to establish the authorship or origin of conclusively or unquestionably, chiefly by the techniques of scholarship.

   to authenticate a painting.

3. to make authoritative or valid.

authenticate

/ ɔːˈθɛntɪˌkeɪt /

verb

1. to establish as genuine or valid

2. to give authority or legal validity to

Other Word Forms

• authenticatable adjective
• nonauthenticated adjective
• nonauthentication noun
• reauthenticate verb (used with object)
• self-authenticating adjective
• unauthenticated adjective
• well-authenticated adjective
• authenticator noun
• authentication noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of authenticate¹

First recorded in 1565–75; from Medieval Latin authenticātus “made authentic” (past participle of authenticāre ). See authentic, -ate ¹

Example Sentences

BBC Verify has authenticated footage showing around 30 bodies wrapped in shrouds and blankets next to the mosque, which was located in the west of the city.

From BBC

We did this by reviewing and authenticating thousands of leaked and gathered documents.

From BBC

The BBC analysed the footage and was able to authenticate it as genuine.

From BBC

It was found in a house in Cambridge and has since been authenticated as an original.

From BBC

"The recordings are critical for establishing her role, they are clear and have been properly authenticated, and are supported by other evidence," British international human rights barrister Toby Cadman told the BBC.

From BBC

Related Words

• attest 
• corroborate 
• substantiate 
• validate 
• verify