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

Encryption and decryption of your traffic both have a cost in terms of speed.

From Salon • Nov. 26, 2025

“The effectiveness of encryption isn’t just about the technology; it also depends on how individuals use it. Encryption works best as part of a larger cybersecurity strategy,” Sanchez-Rola said.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 25, 2025

Encryption scrambles the data using a secret key.

From Science Daily • Oct. 30, 2023

Encryption on the blockchain is said to make a digital work impossible to fake.

From New York Times • Nov. 30, 2022

With the assistance of the NSA who is responsible for cryptography, the Data Encryption Standard was approved in November of 1976.

From Terminal Compromise: computer terrorism: when privacy and freedom are the victims: a novel by Schwartau, Winn