authentication

American  

[aw-then-ti-kay-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

Even if someone steals or guesses your password, they can’t access your camera without an extra code sent to your phone or email, or supplied by an authentication app.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 11, 2026

The researchers say this combination could eventually be useful for large-scale content moderation, media authentication, surveillance, and other security-critical AI applications.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 1, 2026

Two-factor authentication for accessing her bank accounts is another barrier to criminals.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 24, 2026

In 2011, two other sites emerged: Poshmark, with a peer-to-peer marketplace, and the RealReal, focused on luxury items and authentication services.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 19, 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