decipher

de·ci·pher

verb \dē-ˈsī-fər\

Definition of DECIPHER

transitive verb

1

: decode 1a

2

obsolete : depict

3

a : to make out the meaning of despite indistinctness or obscurity b : to interpret the meaning of

— de·ci·pher·able \-f(ə-)rə-bəl\ adjective

— de·ci·pher·er \-fər-ər\ noun

— de·ci·pher·ment \-fər-mənt\ noun

Examples of DECIPHER

1. I couldn't decipher his sloppy handwriting.
2. <we deciphered the hidden message to find out when we were supposed to meet>

First Known Use of DECIPHER

1545

Related to DECIPHER

Synonyms: break, crack, decode, decrypt

Antonyms: cipher, code, encipher, encode, encrypt

Related Words: descramble, unscramble; render, translate; dope (out), figure out, puzzle (out), solve, unravel, unriddle, work, work out

Near Antonyms: garble, jumble (up), mix (up)

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Rhymes with DECIPHER

encipher, pro-lifer