Encipher: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word 'encipher' originates from the prefix 'en-' meaning 'to cause to be' and 'cipher', which is a term for a code or zero.
• Historically, 'cipher' comes from the Arabic word 'sifr', meaning zero, illustrating how numbers and letters can be transformed into symbols.

History

• The practice of enciphering dates back to ancient civilizations like Egypt and Rome, where messages were often coded to protect military secrets.
• During World War II, enciphering was crucial for military communication, with machines like the Enigma used to send coded messages.

Technology

• Modern computers use sophisticated algorithms to encipher data, ensuring secure online transactions and communications.
• Cryptography, the broader study of enciphering, combines mathematics, computer science, and intelligence to develop secure communication systems.

Literature

• In literature, themes of enciphering often appear in mystery novels, where characters need to decode hidden messages to solve a crime.
• Famous works, like Shakespeare’s plays, sometimes included secret meanings enciphered within characters' speeches, inviting deeper analysis from readers.

Psychology

• The act of enciphering can also relate to psychological defense mechanisms, where individuals encode their feelings and thoughts to protect themselves from vulnerability.
• Research in cognitive psychology explores how the brain processes coded information differently, showing that enciphering can aid memory retention.

At position #41,627, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.

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