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

That’s led to security concerns, as cybersecurity company Wiz identified a database misconfiguration in early February that left 1.5 million API authentication tokens, 35,000 email addresses and private messages between agents exposed.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 10, 2026

New authentication systems will be needed to stop fraudsters from sending fake invoices to bots, for example.

From Barron's • Feb. 12, 2026

The TRA said Kang then attempted to conceal his actions by submitting authentication forms himself, instead of from pupils.

From BBC • Jan. 20, 2026

To fix, start with key accounts such as email and banking and enable two-factor authentication if that’s an option.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 21, 2025

“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