WordValeCAPTCHA
a test distinguishing humans from automated programs
In more detail
a test displayed on a computer screen that verifies the user is human and not a robot, typically by asking them to identify letters, numbers, or images
Examples
- You'll need to complete the captcha before creating a new account.
- The website asked me to solve a captcha by clicking on all the traffic lights in the image.
How to use CAPTCHA
CAPTCHA is a technical term widely used in computing and web security contexts to describe automated verification systems. It is commonly encountered when logging into accounts, submitting forms, or accessing restricted content online. The term is an acronym (Completely Automated Public Turing Test to Tell Computers and Humans Apart) but is now used as a standard noun in both formal and informal settings.
Common phrases
- solve a CAPTCHA
- enter the CAPTCHA
- CAPTCHA code
- CAPTCHA challenge
- pass a CAPTCHA
- click the CAPTCHA
Synonyms
verification test · human verification · bot check · security challenge · Turing test
A common mistake
Learners sometimes treat CAPTCHA as a plural form or use it with the definite article 'the CAPTCHA' when referring to the test or challenge itself, which is acceptable but less natural than using it as a countable noun (a CAPTCHA, the CAPTCHA code).
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