encrypt

/ɛnˈkrɪpt/

/ɛnˈkrɪpt/

Other forms: encrypted; encrypts; encrypting

To encrypt is to convert regular language into a code. Encrypting is a way of keeping secrets.

Encrypting is a way of disguising a written message so that most people won't understand it. Encrypting puts a message into a code that will appear to be gibberish. Only someone who knows the code or is an expert in breaking codes — like a cryptographer — will be able to read something encrypted. People don't encrypt their laundry lists or term papers; communications that get encrypted are top secret info, like government reports and messages from spies.

Definitions of encrypt

1. verb

   convert ordinary language into code
   synonyms: cipher, code, cypher, encipher, inscribe, write in code

   type of:

   encode

   convert information into code