Word
encrypt
Phoneticsen·crypt, stress on the second syllable
US/ɛnˈkɹɪpt/
UK/ɛnkɹˈɪpt/
Computing
Definition
v. to change information into a secret code so that only people with a special key can read it. You do this to keep your data safe from hackers.
v. to convert data into a coded form to prevent unauthorised access. Transitive — requires a direct object representing the data or message being protected.
Examples
“You should encrypt your files before sending them over the internet.”
“The messaging app automatically encrypts all conversations to ensure that only the sender and receiver can view the content.”
“Advanced encryption protocols are essential for securing financial transactions, as they ensure that sensitive data remains indecipherable to anyone intercepting the signal during transmission.”
Examples
simple
“You should encrypt your files before sending them over the internet.”
contextual
“The messaging app automatically encrypts all conversations to ensure that only the sender and receiver can view the content.”
complex
“Advanced encryption protocols are essential for securing financial transactions, as they ensure that sensitive data remains indecipherable to anyone intercepting the signal during transmission.”
Etymology
From en- + -crypt, from Ancient Greek κρυπτός (kruptós, literally “hidden, concealed, private, secret”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
Domain
- 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
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/encrypt