encipher

[en-sahy-fer]

verb (used with object)

1. to convert (a message, communication, etc.) into cipher.

encipher

/ ɪnˈsaɪfə /

verb

1. (tr) to convert (a message, document, etc) from plain text into code or cipher; encode

Other Word Forms

• encipherer noun
• encipherment noun
• unenciphered adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of encipher¹

First recorded in 1570–80; en- ¹ + cipher

Example Sentences

“And of course, what they mean by that is enciphered messages.”

Read more on Scientific American

He helped accelerate Allied efforts to read German Naval messages enciphered with the Enigma machine, and so shortening World War Two and saving lives.

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“When this was first encountered, and I had puzzled over it for all the time I could spare,” Elizebeth wrote, “I decided to make the assumption that it was enciphered code.”

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The work of Turing helped accelerate Allied efforts to read German Naval messages enciphered with the Enigma machine.

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The work of Alan Turing, who was educated in Sherborne, Dorset, helped accelerate Allied efforts to read German Naval messages enciphered with the Enigma machine.

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Related Words

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