Skip to main content
to encrypt

to encrypt

54 6.7
Change information into a code to stop other people from reading it
  • verb
  • /ɪnˈkrɪpt/
  • Specialized
translation icon : 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.

Autoplay Next

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 code
vsto encrypt
  • Specialized
54 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 encode
vsto encrypt
  • Specialized
52 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 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 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
9.6

To put a message into a secret code

is the general act of making data unreadable to prevent access
to crypted
vsto encrypt
  • Specialized
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

Antonyms

342 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
54 6.7
to encode
  • Specialized
52 4.9
to scramble
  • Specialized
85 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.