Decryption: meaning, definitions and examples

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decryption

 

[ dɪˈkrɪpʃən ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

data security

The process of converting encrypted data back into its original form, making it readable and understandable.

Synonyms

deciphering, decoding, unscrambling.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
decryption

Used primarily in the context of cryptography and computer security to denote the process of converting encrypted data back to its original form.

  • The decryption of the message requires a key.
  • After decryption, the sensitive information was readable.
deciphering

Often used when interpreting and understanding complex or obscure information, including codes, languages, or texts.

  • She spent years deciphering the ancient manuscript.
  • The detective was good at deciphering hidden clues.
unscrambling

Informally used for rearranging or making sense of jumbled or mixed-up information, words, or data, often in a casual or everyday context.

  • Unscrambling these letters will give you a word.
  • He enjoys unscrambling jigsaw puzzles in his free time.
decoding

Generally refers to converting coded data or signals into a readable format. Can also apply to understanding hidden or encrypted meanings in various contexts, including genetics or digital communication.

  • They are decoding the signals received from outer space.
  • The students were decoding the genetic sequence.

Examples of usage

  • After the decryption process, the sensitive information was finally accessible.
  • The decryption key is essential to unlock the encrypted data.
Context #2 | Noun

codebreaking

The act or process of deciphering coded messages or information.

Synonyms

codebreaking, cryptanalysis, decipherment.

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Word Description / Examples
decryption

Used when discussing the process of converting encrypted or encoded data back into its original form.

  • The decryption of the secret message required a special key.
  • Software is used for the decryption of secure files.
codebreaking

Applied in scenarios where breaking historical or complex codes is the main focus, often tied to espionage or war contexts.

  • Codebreaking was vital during World War II to understand enemy communications.
  • The team of codebreakers worked tirelessly to crack the cipher.
decipherment

Typically applies to understanding and interpreting ancient texts or symbols, often not limited to encrypted messages.

  • The decipherment of the ancient script unlocked many archaeological secrets.
  • His work on the decipherment of the Rosetta Stone was groundbreaking.
cryptanalysis

Primarily used in the field of cryptography, referring to the study of analyzing and breaking cryptographic systems and algorithms.

  • Cryptanalysis involves finding vulnerabilities in encryption systems.
  • She specialized in cryptanalysis during her doctoral studies.

Examples of usage

  • The decryption of the enemy's messages allowed the intelligence officers to understand their plans.
  • The decryption of the ancient script revealed hidden secrets.
Context #3 | Noun

mathematics

The process of converting encoded or encrypted data back to its original form using algorithms or mathematical operations.

Synonyms

deciphering, decoding, unencrypting.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
decryption

Used in the context of cryptography and cybersecurity when converting encrypted data back to its original form.

  • The decryption process took several hours.
  • She was skilled in both data encryption and decryption.
deciphering

Used when interpreting or understanding something complex or obscure, often in context of codes, ancient texts, or difficult writing.

  • They spent years deciphering the ancient script.
  • Deciphering his handwriting was almost impossible.
decoding

Used more generally for converting encoded or obscure messages into understandable text, like DNA sequences or multimedia files.

  • The device is used for decoding video signals.
  • She is decoding the genetic information in the lab.
unencrypting

Used in the same context as 'decryption', often in informal settings or to emphasize the reverse process of encryption.

  • Unencrypting the files took less time than encrypting them.
  • He was tasked with unencrypting the confidential documents.

Examples of usage

  • The decryption of the mathematical puzzle required advanced problem-solving skills.
  • The decryption algorithm was able to decrypt the data efficiently.

Translations

Translations of the word "decryption" in other languages:

🇵🇹 descriptografia

🇮🇳 डिक्रिप्शन

🇩🇪 Entschlüsselung

🇮🇩 dekripsi

🇺🇦 декриптування

🇵🇱 deszyfrowanie

🇯🇵 復号

🇫🇷 décryptage

🇪🇸 desencriptación

🇹🇷 şifre çözme

🇰🇷 복호화

🇸🇦 فك التشفير

🇨🇿 dešifrování

🇸🇰 dešifrovanie

🇨🇳 解密

🇸🇮 dešifriranje

🇮🇸 afkóðun

🇰🇿 шифрды ашу

🇬🇪 დეკრიფტაცია

🇦🇿 deşifrə

🇲🇽 desencriptación

Etymology

The term 'decryption' originates from the combination of 'de-' meaning 'remove' and 'encryption'. It first appeared in the mid-20th century with the rise of cryptography and data security. Decryption plays a crucial role in information security, enabling the secure transmission and storage of sensitive data. Over the years, decryption techniques have evolved to counter advanced encryption methods, contributing to the development of cybersecurity measures.

See also: decrypter, decryptor.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,699, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.