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password

password

281 2.5
A secret word or phrase that lets you access an account
  • noun
  • /ˈpæsˌwɜrd/
translation icon : contraseña
  • How many people here use the same password on multiple websites?
  • password-protected
  • username and password
  • ID and password

My wife has my passwords to all my social media.

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Examples

  • So I'm entering in my password and it doesn't work.

  • He forgot his password and needed to reset it to access his files.

  • I had every form of password on every single app.

  • And this is the one password that you actually have to remember.

  • May I have your account number and password, please?

  • The best systems require a password to enter any of the teacher's options.

    Academic text (1993)
  • Users log in by using both their password and this number.

    Academic text (2012)
  • In addition, you need to know a four-digit password, or the alarm will go off.

    Fiction book (1997)
  • Don't use the same password over multiple sites, particularly sensitive shopping or banking sites.

    Academic text (2015)
  • Well, first, reusing passwords is a terrible idea.

Synonyms

passcode
vspassword
16 3.1

A secret set of numbers or letters used to unlock devices and accounts

is a broader secret word or phrase, not limited to short codes
passphrase
vspassword
  • Specialized
4 5.6

A group of words used like a password to unlock files or accounts

is typically a shorter secret rather than a long multiword phrase
passkey
vspassword
  • Specialized
2 4.6

A digital code on a device that lets you sign into an account

is the general secret known to a person or group, not only a credential
secret code
vspassword
  • Specialized
1 3.5

A set of numbers or letters used to unlock an account

is the common secret used for access beyond short numeric sequences
countersign
vspassword
  • Specialized
1 8.6

A secret word used to prove someone belongs to a group

is meant for personal access to systems or places, not only member checks
watchword
vspassword
8.2

A secret word that lets people enter or join a group

is normally a personal secret used for individual system or area access

How Secure

two-step
  • Texting
3 3.9
passphrase
  • Specialized
4 5.6
password
281 2.5

Surface Forms

password singular
passwords plural

Morphology

password = pass + word (transparent) = pass + word

The meaning 'a word that allows one to pass or gain access' is directly derived from 'pass' + 'word' and is straightforward for learners.

Etymology

Password comes from two simple parts, pass and word. It began as a secret 'word' you would give to 'pass' a guard, so today a password is a secret word that lets you 'pass' into a computer account or a locked place.