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to encrypt

to encrypt

84 6.7
Change information into a code to stop other people from reading it
  • verb
  • /ɪnˈkrɪpt/
  • Specialized
: cifrar
  • Before sending the files, make sure to encrypt them to prevent unauthorized access.
  • encrypt data
  • encrypt information
  • encrypt files

This one right here with the giant antenna encrypted local network.

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Examples

  • So once I've encrypted your information, you can no longer access it.

  • Biometric templates can be encrypted while in storage and/or when being transmitted over network communication channels.

    Academic text (2003)
  • For truly sensitive information, encrypt the files just in case of loss or theft.

    Academic text (1994)
  • With this system, users require different keys to encrypt and decrypt the information.

    Academic text (1996)
  • Uh, Betty, isolate the signal and encrypt the data, please.

  • Our boy used a symmetric-key algorithm to encrypt it.

  • Adding AVPN lets you mask your IP and encrypt traffic to and from your devices.

  • Others store their passwords in a word-processing document and encrypt it themselves.

    Academic text (2015)
  • AVPN hides your IP address and encrypts your Internet connection.

  • If e-mail is used to synchronize and update medical orders, communications must be encrypted to prevent unauthorized access.

    Academic text (2007)

Synonyms

to encode
vsto encrypt
  • Specialized
55 4.9

To change information into a special code a computer can read or to keep it secret

focuses more on preventing unauthorized access rather than just processing needs
to code
vsto encrypt
  • Specialized
52 4.3

To change a message into signs or numbers so others cannot read it

is specifically about converting data to stop unauthorized access rather than general coding
to encipher
vsto encrypt
  • Specialized
1 9.9

To change a message into a secret code so others cannot read it

is the broader process of making data unreadable to stop unauthorized access
to crypted
vsto encrypt
  • Specialized
1 8.6

Make data secret so only people with the correct key can read it

is similar but also covers converting data into codes for various security uses
to cipher
vsto encrypt
  • Specialized
1 9.1

To put a message into a secret code

is wider, covering any method that prevents unauthorized access to data
to cypher
vsto encrypt
  • UK
1 9.6

To put a message into a secret code

is the general act of making data unreadable to prevent access

Antonyms

413 4.1

Reveal hidden facts or bad actions to people

to decrypt
  • Specialized
21 6.6

To change coded writing into readable text

How Secure

to encrypt
  • Specialized
84 6.7
to encode
  • Specialized
55 4.9
to scramble
  • Specialized
28 7.9

Surface Forms

encrypt infinitive
encrypted past
encrypted past participle
encrypting present participle
encrypts third person singular

Morphology

encrypt = crypt (semi-transparent) = en + crypt

The prefix 'en-' suggests a process or action, but the root 'crypt' is not commonly understood in its original sense by learners.

Etymology

The word encrypt comes from two parts: en- meaning 'in' and crypt meaning 'hidden', the same root you see in cryptic and crypt. So to encrypt something is to put it 'in' a 'hidden' form, changing it into a secret code so people who should not see it cannot read it.