Codebreaking: meaning, definitions and examples
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codebreaking
[ ˈkəʊdˌbreɪkɪŋ ]
intelligence
The activity of deciphering coded messages, especially as a means of espionage or military intelligence.
Synonyms
cryptanalysis, deciphering, encryption breaking.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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codebreaking |
This term is generally used when referring to the action of breaking codes in a broad sense, especially in historical or military contexts.
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deciphering |
This word is used when you need to describe the process of figuring out the meaning of something that is hard to understand or interpret, not necessarily in a technical or cryptographic context.
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cryptanalysis |
This term is used in academic or technical settings to describe the study and practice of analyzing and breaking cryptographic systems.
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encryption breaking |
This term is more specific to defeating encryption algorithms or systems, and is mainly used in technical and cybersecurity contexts.
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Examples of usage
- The team of cryptanalysts was tasked with codebreaking enemy communications.
- Codebreaking played a crucial role in World War II espionage.
general
The act or process of solving a cryptographic system or code, often involving analysis and pattern recognition.
Synonyms
cracking codes, decoding, solving ciphers.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
codebreaking |
This term is most often used in historical or wartime contexts where deciphering enemy communications was crucial. It implies a level of expertise and often governmental or military involvement.
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cracking codes |
This phrase is more casual and can be used in everyday conversations or informal settings. It often implies a challenging but rewarding activity, sometimes with a sense of adventure or mystery.
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solving ciphers |
Typically used in more specific scenarios where the focus is on deciphering complex cryptographic puzzles or ciphers rather than general codes. It suggests methodical and intellectual work.
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decoding |
Used in contexts that involve translating a coded message into plain text. It can be applied in various fields such as linguistics, genetics, or technology, and does not always carry the complex or historical connotation that 'codebreaking' does.
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Examples of usage
- The puzzle enthusiast enjoyed the challenge of codebreaking.
- Codebreaking requires a combination of logic and creativity.
Translations
Translations of the word "codebreaking" in other languages:
🇵🇹 quebra de código
🇮🇳 कोड-तोड़ना
🇩🇪 Codeentschlüsselung
🇮🇩 pemecahan kode
🇺🇦 зламування коду
🇵🇱 łamanie kodu
🇯🇵 コードブレイキング
🇫🇷 décryptage de code
🇪🇸 descifrado de código
🇹🇷 kod kırma
🇰🇷 코드해독
🇸🇦 كسر الشفرة
🇨🇿 luštění kódu
🇸🇰 lámanie kódu
🇨🇳 破译代码
🇸🇮 razbijanje kode
🇮🇸 kóðabrot
🇰🇿 кодты бұзу
🇬🇪 კოდის გატეხვა
🇦🇿 kod qırılması
🇲🇽 descifrado de código
Etymology
The term 'codebreaking' originated during the early 20th century with the rise of cryptography and the need to decipher secret messages. It became particularly prominent during wartime efforts, such as World War II, where cracking enemy codes was essential for intelligence gathering. Codebreaking has since evolved with advancements in technology and encryption methods, remaining a critical aspect of cybersecurity and intelligence operations.
See also: codebase, codebreaker, coded, coder, coders, codes, coding, decode, encode.