encryption
noun
en·cryp·tion
in-ˈkrip-shən 
en-
plural encryptions
1
: the act or process of encrypting something : a conversion of something (such as data) into a code or cipher
The regulations … make it harder to provide automatic encryption of information as it passes through the dozens of links in a typical Internet connection …—
Paul Wallich
Paul Wallich… a hacker slips into a system, then puts encryption controls in place that locks users out.—Elizabeth Millard
Elizabeth Millard2
: a code or cipher produced by encrypting something
Artificial intelligence can decode encryptions that previously could not be cracked.—Ana Swanson
Ana SwansonExamples of encryption in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Until now, the number of qubits required to crack encryption was thought to be in the millions, and therefore out of reach.
—Jim Edwards, Fortune, 31 Mar. 2026
The software also supports form creation, annotation, and document protection through password encryption.
—Stackcommerce Team, PC Magazine, 31 Mar. 2026
Modern encryption uses math equations that would take conventional computers trillions of years to crack.
—Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 27 Mar. 2026
Russia tried to ban Telegram for failing to provide the FSB state security service with its encryption keys in 2018, but was unsuccessful.
—Yuliya Talmazan, NBC news, 22 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for encryption
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Jim Edwards, Fortune, 31 Mar. 2026
The software also supports form creation, annotation, and document protection through password encryption.
—Stackcommerce Team, PC Magazine, 31 Mar. 2026
Modern encryption uses math equations that would take conventional computers trillions of years to crack.
—Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 27 Mar. 2026
Russia tried to ban Telegram for failing to provide the FSB state security service with its encryption keys in 2018, but was unsuccessful.
—Yuliya Talmazan, NBC news, 22 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for encryption
Cite this Entry
“Encryption.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/encryption. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
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