encipher

American  

[en-sahy-fer] / ɛnˈsaɪ fər /

verb (used with object)

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

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encipher British  

/ ɪnˈsaɪfə /

verb

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

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Other Word Forms

• encipherer noun
• encipherment noun
• unenciphered adjective

Etymology

Origin of encipher

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

Explanation

To encipher is to take a piece of information or a message and translate it into a coded form. You can encipher a note to your friend by replacing the letters with specific numbers. If your friend enciphers an email before sending it, you'll need the know what code they used before you can decipher it and read it. A simple way to encipher language is to replace A with 1, B with 2, and so on. Originally, cipher meant "do arithmetic," from the Arabic root sifr, "zero," and because coding with numbers was so common, cipher came to mean "write in code."

Example Sentences

To scramble, or encipher, the messages the Germans used the Lorenz SZ 40/42 coding machine - known as Tunny to the Allies.

From BBC • Feb. 2, 2010

Related Words

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