Counterparole

/ˌkaʊntərpəˈroʊl/ noun

Definition

A secret word or signal given in response to a password, used for verification or mutual identification in security contexts.

Etymology

From counter- (reciprocal, opposite) + parole (from French parole, 'word' or 'spoken word'). Originally a military term where two passwords exchanged verified the identity of both parties.

Kelly Says

During World War II, soldiers used counterparoles as a crucial security measure—knowing the right password wasn't enough; you also needed to know the right response to prove you weren't a spy pretending to be one of your own troops.

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