encrypt

[en-kript]

verb (used with object)

1. to convert (a message or the like) into cipher or code.

   The letter was encrypted before being mailed to protect it from any prying eyes.

2. Computers.,  to change (digital data) into a form that cannot be read without converting it back using a unique key.

   The protocol encrypts all of your personal information, including credit card number, name, and address, so that it cannot be stolen.

encrypt

/ ɪnˈkrɪpt /

verb

1. to put (a message) into code

2. to put (computer data) into a coded form

3. to distort (a television or other signal) so that it cannot be understood without the appropriate decryption equipment

encrypt

1. To alter information using a code or mathematical algorithm so as to be unintelligible to unauthorized readers.

Other Word Forms

• encryption noun
• encrypted adjective
• encryptation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of encrypt¹

First recorded in 1940–45; en- ¹ + -crypt (abstracted from cryptic ( def. ), cryptography ( def. ), etc.), modeled on encode ( def. )

Word History and Origins

Origin of encrypt¹

C20: from _en- ¹ + crypt, as in _crypto-

Example Sentences

For a company that started as an encrypted messaging startup just two years ago, Cursor has come a long way.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

You are likely to connect to public Wi-Fi in airports, hotels and cafes, and encrypted connections are crucial for protecting personal data and preventing snooping.

Read more on Salon

The platform says it uses Meta's servers to store encrypted messages while they are being delivered but deletes them once this is done, and has refused to hand them over to governments.

Read more on Barron's

As mentioned above, a VPN creates a private, encrypted tunnel between your device and the internet.

Read more on Salon

A firm considered one of the leading global voices in encryption has cancelled the announcement of its leadership election results after an official lost the encrypted key needed to unlock them.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• encipher