What does "encryption" mean?

1. (the process of coding data) the act of changing information into a secret code to keep it safe. 2. (the encrypted result) a piece of information that has already been turned into a secret code.

How do you use "encryption"?

Often used with the preposition 'of' when describing the data being protected. Can be used as a countable noun when referring to specific instances of encoded strings.

encryption

US //ɛnˈkɹɪpʃən// UK //ɛnkɹˈɪpʃən// en·cryp·tion

1 the process of coding data (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Computing

the act of changing information into a secret code to keep it safe.

the process of encoding information so that only authorised parties can access it. Uncountable in this general sense.

Example

The app uses strong encryption to protect your private messages from hackers.

Example

Modern banking relies on end-to-end encryption to ensure that sensitive financial data remains secure during transmission across public networks.

Usage

Often used with the preposition 'of' when describing the data being protected.

Teacher's tip

Learners often confuse this with 'coding'; explain that encryption specifically implies security and secrecy.
- encoding
- ciphering
- decryption
2 the encrypted result (n.)
C1 Advanced Technical Computing

a piece of information that has already been turned into a secret code.

a specific instance of ciphertext or an encrypted value. Often used with 'of' followed by the original value.

Example

The computer displayed a long encryption of the original password.

Example

The researcher analysed the encryption of the intercepted signal, looking for patterns that might reveal the underlying algorithm.

Usage

Can be used as a countable noun when referring to specific instances of encoded strings.
- ciphertext
- cryptogram
- plaintext

Origin

From encrypt + -ion.