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Encrypt Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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encrypt

[ɪnˈkrɪpt ]

Definition

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

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

History

  • Ancient Egyptians used hieroglyphics, a form of encrypting information, as a way to conceal their messages.
  • In World War II, the Allies used the Enigma machine to encrypt military communications, making it difficult for enemies to decipher.
  • Ciphers like Caesar cipher date back to Julius Caesar, who used simple shifts in letters to protect military messages.

Technology

  • Modern encryption uses algorithms that transform data into unreadable formats, only reversible with a specific key.
  • End-to-end encryption is used in messaging apps, ensuring only the sender and recipient can understand the messages sent.
  • With the rise of the Internet, encryption became critical for online transactions, protecting sensitive data like passwords and credit card numbers.

Psychology

  • The concept of hiding information can often create a sense of security and trust between communicating parties.
  • People sometimes feel safer sharing information that they know is encrypted, leading to more open communication.
  • Encryption can also lead to paranoia if individuals suspect their communications are being monitored or intercepted.

Literature

  • Fiction often uses encryption as a plot device, where characters must solve codes to uncover secrets or hidden treasures.
  • Books such as 'The Da Vinci Code' are centered around cryptography, leading readers through complex puzzles.
  • Poets and writers have used metaphorical encryption in their texts, requiring deep analysis to uncover deeper meanings.

Origin of 'encrypt'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originates from the Greek word 'kryptos,' meaning hidden or secret.
  • The prefix 'en-' means to cause to be, so together, it refers to the act of making something secret.
  • The term gained prominence in the 20th century alongside technological advancements and the need for secure communication.

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.