English Reference
noun

access control

n.

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate Technical

    the practice of limiting who can enter a building, room, or area to only those with permission.

    the selective restriction of access to a physical place or property, typically managed through locks, badges, or guards.

    Simple

    The office uses electronic access control so only employees can enter the lab.

    In context

    Strict access control was implemented at the research facility to ensure that only personnel with high-level clearance could enter the server room.

    Usage

    Often functions as an uncountable noun in professional contexts.

    securityentry control
  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Computing

    a way of controlling who can see or use specific files and data on a computer or network.

    the process of granting or denying specific requests for data or to use a particular digital resource.

    Simple

    You need to update the access control settings so the new intern can read the files.

    In context

    The administrator configured the access control list to prevent unauthorized users from modifying sensitive financial records on the company network.

    Usage

    Commonly appears in the phrase 'access control list' (ACL).


A compound of the Middle English access, derived from the Latin accessus, and the Old French contrerolle, originally referring to a duplicate register used for verification.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Updated