password

Pluralpasswords

Formspasswords, passwording, passworded

1. 1
   nouncountable

   A string of characters (often a word, phrase, or mix of letters and numbers) used to log in to a computer or network or to reach a level in a video game.

   The system locks the account after three failed password attempts.

   She updated her password to a longer phrase after the data breach.

   Similarpasscode, passphrase

   Note

   Here the sentry has become a login screen, and the password no longer has to be a word. It archetypally still is one, but strength is what people now judge it by. A strong password mixes lowercase and uppercase letters, numbers and punctuation marks, or runs to a whole phrase. The same kind of string can unlock an account, a network or a level in a video game.

2. 2
   nouncountable

   A secret word relayed to a person in order to be allowed into a place or to gain access to protected information.

   Sentries demanded the password from anyone approaching the camp at night.

   Only those who knew the password were allowed past the checkpoint.

   Similarwatchword, countersign

   Note

   The older of the two nouns, and the one the compound was built for: pass plus word, the word that gets you past a sentry. It belongs to guard posts and checkpoints, where a password is demanded, given and changed. A password du jour is good only for that day. This military use came first, and it is what inspired the computing sense.

3. 3
   verbtransitive

   To protect a file, device, or account by requiring a password before access is allowed.

   Administrators password every shared drive on the company network.

   She passworded the spreadsheet before emailing it to the team.

   Similarlock, protect, secure

   Note

   A computing verb made straight from the noun, and always transitive: you password a file, a drive or a spreadsheet. It inflects regularly, as passwords, passwording and passworded. The past participle also works before a noun, as in a passworded document, where it describes something already protected.

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