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

The anonymity of everyone involved was guaranteed by the encrypted TOR browser.

From Salon

Nelson used a computer programme to create the images and sold or exchanged them in an encrypted chatroom for paedophiles.

From BBC

It now says that the video selfies will be encrypted and stored securely, and won't be shown publicly.

From BBC

Perhaps I need to up my game, but even my most boring messages were encrypted by default, and used WhatsApp’s powerful computer servers, housed in various data centres around the world.

From BBC

Encrochat was a highly secure encrypted messaging platform used by criminals who felt able to communicate with each other without fear of being caught.

From BBC

Related Words

• encipher