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to cypher

to cypher

9.6
To put a message into a secret code
  • verb
  • /ˈsaɪfər/
  • UK
translation icon : cifrar
  • Intelligence agencies often cypher sensitive messages to prevent interception.

Examples

  • The secret instructions were fully cyphered prior to being transmitted overseas.

  • He decided to cypher the contents of the email before sending it to his colleague.

  • I will cypher the message for security.

  • The agent cyphered the instructions carefully.

  • He decided to cypher the contents of the message to ensure it remained private.

  • To keep their communications secure, the officials always cypher the documents they send.

  • Before sharing the data, the team will cypher it using a strong encryption method.

Synonyms

to encrypt
vsto cypher
  • Specialized
54 6.7

Change information into a code to stop other people from reading it

is about secret conversion without the specific security emphasis
to code
vsto cypher
  • Specialized
54 4.3

To change a message into signs or numbers so others cannot read it

is mainly about secret conversion of messages rather than general symbol systems
to encode
vsto cypher
  • Specialized
52 4.9

To change information into a special code a computer can read or to keep it secret

is about secret message conversion rather than general data coding
to encipher
vsto cypher
  • Specialized
1 9.9

To change a message into a secret code so others cannot read it

focuses on converting messages into secret code without stressing key requirement
to cipher
vsto cypher
  • Specialized
1 9.1

To put a message into a secret code

has the same meaning and is an alternative form

Antonyms

51 3.8

To change coded information into normal words

How Hidden

to cypher
  • UK
9.6
to obscure
86 7.0
express
13 3.9

Surface Forms

cypher infinitive
cyphered past
cyphered past participle
cyphering present participle
cyphers third person singular

Etymology

Cypher (verb) comes from the same root sifr meaning 'empty' or 'zero' and the later idea of using marks or numbers to hide meaning. So to cypher a message is to change it into a 'secret code' so others cannot read it.