Word
decrypt
Phoneticsde·crypt
US/diˈkɹɪpt/
UK/dɪkɹˈɪpt/
Definition
v. to change a secret message or computer code back into normal language so you can read it.
v. to convert data from an encrypted or encoded format back into its original, readable form. Requires the correct key or algorithm to reverse the encryption process.
Examples
“The software helps you decrypt files that were locked by a password.”
“After hours of work, the security team managed to decrypt the message sent by the hackers.”
“Modern computers can decrypt simple codes in seconds, but advanced military-grade encryption remains nearly impossible to break without the specific digital key.”
Examples
simple
“The software helps you decrypt files that were locked by a password.”
contextual
“After hours of work, the security team managed to decrypt the message sent by the hackers.”
complex
“Modern computers can decrypt simple codes in seconds, but advanced military-grade encryption remains nearly impossible to break without the specific digital key.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “decrypt” in context.
Verb
01. attempt to decrypt
“Hackers will often attempt to decrypt sensitive files using brute-force methods.”
verb + to-inf
02. fail to decrypt
“The software failed to decrypt the attachment because the security key was invalid.”
verb + to-inf
03. successfully decrypt
“The intelligence agency managed to successfully decrypt the intercepted radio signals.”
adv + verb
Noun
04. decrypt communication
“Authorities are seeking new powers to decrypt communications between criminal suspects.”
verb + noun
05. decrypt data
“You need a private key to decrypt data that has been sent over this network.”
verb + noun
06. decrypt file
“Users must enter a password to decrypt the file before they can view its contents.”
verb + noun
07. decrypt message
“It took several hours for the computer to decrypt the message sent by the operative.”
verb + noun
08. decrypt in real time
“The new processor is powerful enough to decrypt the stream in real time.”
09. hard to decrypt
“The information was encoded using a complex algorithm that is extremely hard to decrypt.”
10. use a key to decrypt
“The recipient must use a unique digital key to decrypt the incoming transmission.”
Usage
The verb is transitive and requires a direct object, usually the data or message being decoded.
Real-World Examples
“Researchers are using machine learning algorithms to decrypt historical pencil-and-paper ciphers.” “And one of the UK's leaders in the field points out what is up for grabs in the quantum world - the eventual power to decrypt almost anything from state secrets to Bitcoin.” “The recipient would use a modem with an acoustic coupler to capture the sounds, translate them back into digital signals, and decrypt the message with Jenkin’s program.” “Code breakers at Bletchley Park decrypted the messages and passed them to Allied commanders on 6 June 1944.” Etymology
From de- + -crypt, derived from the Ancient Greek κρυπτός (kruptós), meaning hidden or secret. The term follows the standard late 20th-century pattern for reversing a cryptographic process.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/decrypt