to convert (a message, document, etc) from plain text into code or cipher; encode
Derived forms
encipherer (enˈcipherer)
noun
encipherment (enˈcipherment)
noun
encipher in American English
(ɛnˈsaɪfər)
verb transitive
to convert (a message, information, etc.) into cipher
encipher in American English
(enˈsaifər)
transitive verb
to convert (a message, communication, etc.) into cipher
Derived forms
encipherer
noun
encipherment
noun
Word origin
[1570–80; en-1 + cipher]This word is first recorded in the period 1570–80. Other words that entered Englishat around the same time include: agent, balloon, bracket, cartridge, huddleen- is a prefix occurring originally in loanwords from French and productive in Englishon this model, forming verbs with the general sense “to cause (a person or thing)to be in” the place, condition, or state named by the stem; more specifically, “toconfine in or place on” (enshrine; enthrone; entomb); “to cause to be in” (enslave; entrust; enrich; encourage; endear); “to restrict” in the manner named by the stem, typically with the additional sense“on all sides, completely” (enwind; encircle; enclose; entwine). This prefix is also attached to verbs in order to make them transitive, or to givethem a transitive marker if they are already transitive (enkindle; enliven; enshield; enface)