Encrypt: meaning, definitions and examples

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encrypt

 

[ ɪnˈkrɪpt ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

computer security

To convert information or data into a code in order to prevent unauthorized access.

Synonyms

cipher, encode, scramble.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
encrypt

Used when converting information into a code to prevent unauthorized access most commonly in digital communication and cybersecurity.

  • You should encrypt sensitive emails to protect personal information.
  • Online transactions are encrypted to keep financial details safe.
encode

Implies converting data into a different format, often for efficiency or compatibility within computer systems, not always for secrecy.

  • The video file was encoded to reduce its size.
  • URLs are often encoded to handle special characters.
scramble

Suggests mixing up or obscuring information such that it becomes hard to interpret, often used in a less formal or technical context.

  • The channels were scrambled, so we couldn't watch without a decoder.
  • He scrambled his notes before the exam, making them hard to read.
cipher

Refers to methods or algorithms for performing encryption or decryption; often viewed in a cryptographic or historical context.

  • The ancient message was written in a complex cipher.
  • Modern ciphers are essential for secure data exchanges over the internet.

Examples of usage

  • The sensitive data was encrypted before being stored on the server.
  • It is important to encrypt your emails to protect your privacy.

Translations

Translations of the word "encrypt" in other languages:

🇵🇹 criptografar

🇮🇳 एन्क्रिप्ट करना

🇩🇪 verschlüsseln

🇮🇩 enkripsi

🇺🇦 зашифрувати

🇵🇱 szyfrować

🇯🇵 暗号化する (あんごうかする)

🇫🇷 chiffrer

🇪🇸 cifrar

🇹🇷 şifrelemek

🇰🇷 암호화하다 (amhohwa-hada)

🇸🇦 تشفير (tashfir)

🇨🇿 šifrovat

🇸🇰 šifrovať

🇨🇳 加密 (jiāmì)

🇸🇮 šifrirati

🇮🇸 dulkóða

🇰🇿 шифрлау

🇬🇪 დაშიფვრა (dashifra)

🇦🇿 şifrələmək

🇲🇽 cifrar

Etymology

The word 'encrypt' originated from the Latin word 'encryptus', which means 'hidden'. The concept of encryption has been used throughout history to protect sensitive information, with modern encryption techniques evolving to keep up with advancements in technology and security threats.

See also: crypt, cryptanalysis, cryptanalyst, cryptanalytics, cryptic, crypto, cryptogram, cryptography, cryptology, cryptosystem, decrypt.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,669, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.