# authenticate

/ɔˈθɛntəˌkeɪt/ (US) · /ɔːθˈɛntɪkˌeɪt/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/authenticate
Updated: 2026-05-30

## Definition

to prove that something is real and not a fake. You use this when checking if a document, a painting, or a person is who or what they say they are.

For teachers: to verify the authenticity of an object, document, or person. Transitive — requires a direct object to be verified.

## Examples

- The expert will authenticate the painting to see if it is real.
- Before the bank processes the large withdrawal, they must authenticate the signature on the check against the customer's records.
- Advanced forensic techniques allow investigators to authenticate digital evidence, ensuring that the data has not been altered or corrupted since its initial collection at the crime scene.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.