Authentication is the process of proving that something or someone is real, true, or who they claim to be. It’s often used for documents, artworks, or logging into accounts.
Built from “authentic” plus the noun-forming ending “-ation,” it grew in legal and technical language. As technology spread, the word moved from courtrooms and museums into everyday computer use.
Every time you type a password or use face unlock, you’re going through an authentication ritual—like a tiny security ceremony. The word shows how ancient ideas about proving identity now live inside your phone.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.