decipher

[ dih-sahy-fer ]
See synonyms for: decipherdeciphering on Thesaurus.com

verb (used with object)
  1. to make out the meaning of (poor or partially obliterated writing, etc.): to decipher a hastily scribbled note.

  2. to discover the meaning of (anything obscure or difficult to trace or understand): to decipher hieroglyphics.

  1. to interpret by the use of a key, as something written in cipher: to decipher a secret message.

  2. Obsolete. to depict; portray.

Origin of decipher

1
First recorded in 1520–30; translation of Middle French déchiffrer; equivalent to de- + cipher

Other words for decipher

Other words from decipher

  • de·ci·pher·a·ble, adjective
  • de·ci·pher·a·bil·i·ty, noun
  • de·ci·pher·er, noun
  • de·ci·pher·ment, noun
  • un·de·ci·pher·a·ble, adjective
  • un·de·ci·pher·a·bly, adverb
  • un·de·ci·phered, adjective

Words Nearby decipher

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How to use decipher in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for decipher

decipher

/ (dɪˈsaɪfə) /


verb(tr)
  1. to determine the meaning of (something obscure or illegible)

  2. to convert from code into plain text; decode

Derived forms of decipher

  • decipherable, adjective
  • decipherability, noun
  • decipherer, noun
  • decipherment, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012