# password

Pronunciation: US say "PAS-wurd" /ˈpæswɝd/; UK say "PAHS-wurd" /ˈpɑːswɜː(ɹ)d/

## Noun

1. 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.
   - Simple: A secret set of letters and numbers you type to use a computer, account, or game.
   - _The system locks the account after three failed password attempts._
   - _She updated her password to a longer phrase after the data breach._
2. A secret word relayed to a person in order to be allowed into a place or to gain access to protected information.
   - Simple: A secret word you say to a guard so they let you in.
   - _Sentries demanded the password from anyone approaching the camp at night._
   - _Only those who knew the password were allowed past the checkpoint._

## Verb

3. To protect a file, device, or account by requiring a password before access is allowed.
   - Simple: To lock a file or device so only people who know the secret word can open it.
   - _Administrators password every shared drive on the company network._
   - _She passworded the spreadsheet before emailing it to the team._

## Origin

Formed from "pass" and "word." The sense of a word used to get past a sentry came first and was the inspiration for the later cryptographic sense.

Source: DictionaryAI, https://dictionaryai.com/define/password (written from Wiktionary data, CC BY-SA 4.0: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/).