VPN

Etymology

Short for Virtual Private Network. "Virtual" because it simulates a private, direct link over the shared public internet, and "private" because the tunnel is encrypted so onlookers can’t read what passes through. Originally built to let remote workers reach an office network securely, it was later marketed to consumers for privacy and for bypassing regional blocks.

noun · /VEE-PEE-EN/
A service that routes your internet traffic through an encrypted tunnel to a distant server.
What it names
The tool for hiding your traffic from the local network and disguising your apparent location — with real limits worth understanding.
Example
He used a VPN on café Wi-Fi so the network couldn’t snoop on his browsing.
Related idea
A VPN hides your traffic from the local network and your internet provider, but it doesn’t make you anonymous — the VPN company itself can see where you go, so it merely shifts your trust from one party to another.