Decryption: meaning, definitions and examples

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decryption

[dɪˈkrɪpʃən ]

Definitions

^{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?

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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?

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from Latin roots, with 'de-' meaning 'remove' and 'cryptare' meaning 'to hide'.
It has been used since the early 20th century in the context of secret writing and military communication.
The term gained popularity especially during World War II, when many countries used coded messages in battles.

History of Cryptography

Decryption techniques date back to ancient civilizations like the Romans, who used ciphers to send secret messages.
The Enigma machine, used by Germany in WWII, was a complex device requiring advanced decryption methods employed by the Allies.
Post-war, the rise of computer technology revolutionized decryption, making it faster and more efficient.

Pop Culture

Movies like 'The Imitation Game' dramatize the efforts of mathematicians decrypting enemy communications during WWII.
Video games often feature decryption puzzles, challenging players to solve codes to advance in the game.
In modern media, characters like spies frequently engage in decryption to outsmart their enemies.

Science and Technology

With the rise of the internet, decryption plays a critical role in cybersecurity to protect sensitive information.
Modern algorithms, such as RSA and AES, are foundational for secure communications and are widely used in today’s technology.
Quantum computing could potentially change the landscape of decryption, making traditional methods obsolete.

Literature

Many detective novels feature decryption as a plot device, where characters solve codes to uncover truths.
Famous works like 'The Da Vinci Code' incorporate cryptic messages as a central element to the narrative.
The intrigue of unraveling secrets through decryption adds layers to storytelling, engaging readers' curiosity.

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

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.

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29696 tormentor
29697 bated
29698 retriever
29699 decryption
29700 lamely
29701 peroration
29702 turboprop
...