encipher

verb

en·​ci·​pher in-ˈsī-fər How to pronounce encipher (audio)
en-
enciphered; enciphering; enciphers

transitive verb

: to convert (a message) into cipher
encipherer noun
encipherment noun

Examples of encipher in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The digitized voice and key were enciphered by modulo six addition. IEEE Spectrum, 25 Jan. 2019 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, 10 Oct. 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'encipher.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1577, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of encipher was in 1577

Dictionary Entries Near encipher

Cite this Entry

“Encipher.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/encipher. Accessed 13 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

encipher

verb
en·​ci·​pher in-ˈsī-fər How to pronounce encipher (audio)
en-
: to change (a message) from ordinary language into cipher

More from Merriam-Webster on encipher

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