In today’s digital age, privacy and data protection have become increasingly important. Anonymise is a term that is commonly used in this context. It refers to the process of removing personally identifiable information from data, so that the data cannot be traced back to an individual. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of anonymise, its origins, and its associations.
Definitions
Anonymise is a verb that means to make something anonymous or unidentifiable. When data is anonymised, it is stripped of any information that could be used to identify the person it belongs to. This can include names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, and other personal details.
Origin
The word anonymise comes from the Greek word “anonymos,” which means “without a name.” It was first used in the English language in the mid-19th century.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, anonymise means “to remove identifying information from (data), so that the data cannot be traced back to an individual.” Merriam-Webster defines it as “to remove identifying information from (something, such as computer data) so that it can be used in a way that protects a person’s privacy.”
Associations
Anonymisation is often associated with data protection and privacy. It is used to protect sensitive information such as medical records, financial data, and personal information. Anonymised data can also be used for research purposes without compromising the privacy of individuals.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for anonymise include: de-identify, mask, obscure, and redact.
Antonyms
Antonyms of anonymise include: identify, reveal, disclose, and expose.
The same root words
The root word of anonymise is “anonym,” which means “nameless.” Other words that share this root include anonymity, anonymous, and pseudonym.
Example Sentences
- The company anonymised the data to protect the privacy of its customers.
- The researchers were able to use anonymised data to study the effects of a new medication.
- The journalist was unable to identify the source of the information because it had been anonymised.
- The government agency redacted all identifying information from the report before releasing it to the public.