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

See Examples For:

authentication

"Inadequate basic safeguards, including poor management of authentication signing keys and lax access controls" caused the personal data of around 37.5 million users to be exposed, the commission said in a statement.

From Barron's ● Jun. 11, 2026

Since at least the Obama administration, the U.S. had been largely focused on defensive measures to protect elections, like multifactor authentication and encryption, which make it harder to compromise systems in the first place.

From Salon ● May 21, 2026

Regulators should instead embrace tools that address emerging risks, including stronger authentication of communications, improved detection and blocking of fraudulent activity, and clearer disclosure when consumers are interacting with AI systems.

From MarketWatch ● May 11, 2026

Individuals should update software, use password managers, enable two-factor authentication and try passkeys to boost their security.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 19, 2026

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

From "Holes" by Louis Sachar

Related Words

• certification
• verification