encryption

noun

en·​cryp·​tion in-ˈkrip-shən How to pronounce encryption (audio)
en-
plural encryptions
1
: the act or process of encrypting something : a conversion of something (such as data) into a code or cipher
The regulations … make it harder to provide automatic encryption of information as it passes through the dozens of links in a typical Internet connection …Paul Wallich
… a hacker slips into a system, then puts encryption controls in place that locks users out.Elizabeth Millard
2
: a code or cipher produced by encrypting something
Artificial intelligence can decode encryptions that previously could not be cracked.Ana Swanson

Examples of encryption in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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As news of not one, but two, such Linux vulnerabilities breaks, millions of users are advised that their passwords and encryption keys could be at risk of compromise. Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025 There was no encryption, no authentication required and no form of access control. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 31 May 2025 Large prime numbers have a vital role in many encryption methods in cybersecurity, so every internet user stands to benefit from the search for large prime numbers. Jeremiah Bartz, The Conversation, 30 May 2025 After gaining unauthorized administrative control of the devices, the threat actor installs a public encryption key for access to the device through SSH. Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 28 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for encryption

Word History

First Known Use

1953, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of encryption was in 1953

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Cite this Entry

“Encryption.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/encryption. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.

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