encrypt

verb

en·​crypt in-ˈkript How to pronounce encrypt (audio)
en-
encrypted; encrypting; encrypts

Examples of encrypt in a Sentence

The software will encrypt the message before it is sent.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Data encrypted now may be harvested and decrypted later. Dino Dimarino, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025 Skip the bulky trackers that require you to download new apps, that don't encrypt your communications, and don’t make a sound when your belongings are detected. Shalwah Evans, People.com, 7 July 2025 The California Highway Patrol largely doesn’t encrypt day-to-day traffic. Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 July 2025 Your word processor can edit documents, and your image editor can touch up pictures, but a ransomware program that tries to encrypt those files gets blocked. Neil J. Rubenking, PC Magazine, 30 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for encrypt

Word History

Etymology

en- entry 1 + -crypt (in cryptanalysis, cryptogram), perhaps after decrypt

First Known Use

1944, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of encrypt was in 1944

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Encrypt.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/encrypt. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

encrypt

verb
en·​crypt
in-ˈkript
: to change (information) from one form to another especially to hide its meaning
encrypt the message
encryption
-ˈkrip-shən
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on encrypt

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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