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

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

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

While palm, face or iris payment and authentication aren’t widespread in the U.S., more commercial trials are popping up, and this type of biometric technology has the potential to proliferate over the next few years.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 2026

From now on, wherever he went, he’d be closely trailed by a military aide carrying a forty-five-pound briefcase containing launch authentication codes and sophisticated communications devices, often referred to as the nuclear football.

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama

Related Words

• certification
• verification