decipher

[dih-sahy-fer]

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.

   Synonyms: explain, unravel, solve, comprehend

3. to interpret by the use of a key, as something written in cipher.

   to decipher a secret message.

4. Obsolete.,  to depict; portray.

decipher

/ dɪˈsaɪfə /

verb

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

2. to convert from code into plain text; decode

Other Word Forms

• decipherable adjective
• decipherability noun
• decipherer noun
• decipherment noun
• undecipherable adjective
• undecipherably adverb
• undeciphered adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of decipher¹

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

Example Sentences

Though private-sector economists have continued to be paid as usual, unlike the federal workers who missed paychecks, they say it’s been hard to decipher the direction of the economy.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

One of the key goals of the LMU-Baghdad collaboration is to decipher hundreds of cuneiform tablets from the renowned Sippar Library and ensure their preservation.

Read more on Science Daily

Now, finally, the FBI was able to decipher the hollow nickel message that had baffled them for four years.

Read more on Literature

Teams will need to shop wisely, digesting medical reports on established players coming back from injuries and deciphering scouting reports on another handful of talented players from Japan.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

These include the Rosetta Stone, the key to deciphering hieroglyphics, which is on display at the British Museum in London.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• analyze 
• break down 
• decode 
• deduce 
• elucidate 
• interpret 
• solve 
• translate 
• unravel