Encipher

/ɛnˈsaɪ.fər/ verb

Definition

To write or put a message in code or cipher so that only someone with the key can read it.

Etymology

From the prefix 'en-' (to make or put into) plus 'cipher' (a secret code), derived from Arabic 'sifr' (zero, empty). The term became common with the rise of cryptography and secret communications.

Kelly Says

During World War II, breaking the German Enigma cipher—or learning how to encipher messages so enemies couldn't read them—was literally the difference between winning and losing battles; one broken code saved countless lives and shortened the entire war.

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