Codebreaking: meaning, definitions and examples

🔑
Add to dictionary

codebreaking

 

[ ˈkəʊdˌbreɪkɪŋ ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

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?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
codebreaking

This term is generally used when referring to the action of breaking codes in a broad sense, especially in historical or military contexts.

  • During World War II, the Allies made significant advancements in codebreaking, which helped them gain an advantage over the Axis powers
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.

  • Deciphering ancient manuscripts requires a deep understanding of historical languages and scripts
cryptanalysis

This term is used in academic or technical settings to describe the study and practice of analyzing and breaking cryptographic systems.

  • He specializes in cryptanalysis and has identified several vulnerabilities in modern encryption methods
encryption breaking

This term is more specific to defeating encryption algorithms or systems, and is mainly used in technical and cybersecurity contexts.

  • Encryption breaking is a serious offense in cybersecurity, often associated with hacking and other illegal activities

Examples of usage

  • The team of cryptanalysts was tasked with codebreaking enemy communications.
  • Codebreaking played a crucial role in World War II espionage.
Context #2 | Noun

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?

arrow down
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.

  • The codebreaking efforts during World War II played a critical role in the Allied victory
  • She studied the history of codebreaking and its impact on modern cryptography
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.

  • He loves cracking codes in his free time as a hobby
  • The movie was about a team of hackers cracking codes to uncover a conspiracy
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.

  • She's adept at solving ciphers and often participates in puzzle competitions
  • The mathematician spent years solving ciphers from ancient manuscripts
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.

  • The scientist was decoding the genetic sequence to find the cure for the disease
  • Decoding this message won't be easy, but it's crucial to the investigation

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.