encipher

verb en·ci·pher \ in-ˈsī-fər , en- \

Definition of encipher

enciphered; enciphering; enciphers

transitive verb

: to convert (a message) into cipher

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encipherer

play \in-ˈsī-fər-ər, en\ noun

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encipherment

play \in-ˈsī-fər-mənt, en\ noun

See encipher defined for kids

Recent Examples of encipher from the Web

To protect sensitive communications traveling along public pathways, the senders enciphered—or encrypted—their words, often using machines that could replace each letter with a new letter.

— liza mundy, Time, "The Forgotten Women Who Helped Create the Field of Cybersecurity," 10 Oct. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'encipher.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.