encryption

American  

[en-krip-shuhn] / ɛnˈkrɪp ʃən /

noun

1. the act or practice of converting messages into cipher or code.

   During World War II, the encryption process involved code tables and a machine.

2. Computers. the act or practice of changing digital data into a form that cannot be read without converting it back using a unique key.

   Though its data encryption is strong, the app has other security flaws exploited by hackers.

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encryption Cultural  

1. The process of encoding a message so that it can be read only by the sender and the intended recipient. Encryption systems often use two keys, a public key, available to anyone, and a private key that allows only the recipient to decode the message. (See also cryptography.)

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Etymology

Origin of encryption

First recorded in 1940–45; 1960–65 encryption for def. 2; encrypt ( def. ) + -ion ( def. )

Explanation

Encryption is the process of translating something into a code, so that data is protected, hidden, or concealed. Encryption makes it difficult for hackers to steal people's credit card numbers. If there's information worth stealing, encryption is used to protect it — especially when it comes to computer or electronic data that holds financial, private, or dangerous material. Governments use encryption to hide classified information, and banks use it to protect their customers' money and other data. Crypt- has been used to mean "secret or hidden" since the 1700s, and it comes from a Greek root, kryptos, "hidden or concealed."

Example Sentences

Quantum computers are expected to transform fields like drug discovery and encryption by solving problems that are far beyond the reach of conventional machines.

From Science Daily • Apr. 13, 2026

Optimized quantum algorithms could crack Bitcoin’s encryption using under 500,000 qubits, a 20-times reduction from prior estimates.

From Barron's • Apr. 1, 2026

Breaking the encryption behind major cryptocurrencies like bitcoin and ether may be easier than previously thought, according to a blog post and new research paper from Google released Tuesday.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 31, 2026

Along with Sony, Universal is suing the company, claiming it ripped copyrighted music from YouTube by circumventing YouTube’s encryption methods designed to block such actions.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 28, 2026

They also switched to new encryption systems without notice.

From "The Woman All Spies Fear" by Amy Butler Greenfield