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

They log in to the borrower’s account and request a password change, which will send a two-factor authentication code to the borrower.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 30, 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

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 needed authentication from the Attorney General," said the Warden.

From "Holes" by Louis Sachar

Related Words

• certification
• verification