encrypt

[ en-kript ]

verb (used with object)

1. to convert (a message or the like) into cipher or code:

   The letter was encrypted before being mailed to protect it from any prying eyes.

2. Computers. to change (digital data) into a form that cannot be read without converting it back using a unique key:

   The protocol encrypts all of your personal information, including credit card number, name, and address, so that it cannot be stolen.

encrypt

/ ɪnˈkrɪpt /

verb

1. to put (a message) into code
2. to put (computer data) into a coded form
3. to distort (a television or other signal) so that it cannot be understood without the appropriate decryption equipment

encrypt

/ ĕn-krĭpt /

1. To alter information using a code or mathematical algorithm so as to be unintelligible to unauthorized readers.

Derived Forms

• enˈcryption, noun
• enˈcrypted, adjective

Other Words From

• en·cryp·tion en·cryp·ta·tion [en-krip-, tey, -sh, uh, n], noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of encrypt¹

First recorded in 1940–45; en- ¹ + -crypt (abstracted from cryptic ( def ), cryptography ( def ), etc.), modeled on encode ( def )

Word History and Origins

Origin of encrypt¹

C20: from en- ¹+ crypt, as in crypto-

Example Sentences

Unlike WhatsApp and Signal, end-to-end encryption is not the default option for messages on the platform, and it’s difficult for lay users to manually encrypt each conversation they’d wish to protect, as Johns Hopkins University professor and cryptographer Matthew Green has written.

From Slate

Ransomeware attackers can encrypt the hypervisor - locking up multiple systems and programs in one go.

From BBC

LockBit specializes in using malicious software known as ransomware to encrypt files on its victims’ computers, then demanding payment to unlock the files.

From Seattle Times

“When the allegations about the NSA vacuuming up all of our information emerged in 2013, we began to encrypt everything online including our websites, chat applications, and phone apps,” Wisniewski told me.

From Slate

It follows criticism from government and police after Meta started to encrypt Messenger chats by default.

From BBC

Related Words

• encipher