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Encode Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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encode

[ɪnˈkoʊd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

data security

To convert information into code to prevent unauthorized access.

Synonyms

cipher, encrypt, scramble.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
encode

Use this term when you want to transform plain data into a specific format or code, often for secure transmission or storage.

  • We need to encode this message before sending it to the server.
  • The video file was encoded to reduce its size.
encrypt

This word is generally used when discussing the process of converting data into a code, especially to prevent unauthorized access.

  • All sensitive information should be encrypted before being sent over the internet.
  • The application encrypts users' passwords for added security.
scramble

Use this word when describing a process that makes data unreadable or jumbled, often in a less formal or more chaotic context. It can also be used with a negative connotation in some contexts.

  • The image was scrambled after the software glitch.
  • They scrambled the channels to prevent unauthorized viewing.
cipher

This term is typically used when referring to a method of transforming readable text into an unreadable format, especially in cryptography.

  • The ancient manuscript was written in a cipher that no one could decipher.
  • They used a complex cipher to protect their communications.

Examples of usage

  • Please encode this sensitive data before sending it over the internet.
  • The software encodes the messages to ensure privacy.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Technology

  • Encoding is used in various digital formats such as MP3 for audio files, JPEG for images, and HTML for web content.
  • The process helps reduce the size of files, making them easier to store and share over the internet.
  • Different encoding schemes, like UTF-8 and ASCII, allow computers to process characters for various languages around the world.

Cryptography

  • In cryptography, encoding helps secure messages by translating them into formats that are difficult for outsiders to understand.
  • Historical methods of encoding include ciphers, where letters are substituted or shifted to protect information.

Psychology

  • Cognitive psychology studies how our brains encode memories, changing experiences into long-term recollections.
  • Encoding involves manipulating sensory information to enhance memory retention, often using strategies like visualization.

Pop Culture

  • Movies and books often portray characters encoding messages, like spies passing secret information or hackers breaking into systems.
  • The classic 'Enigma machine' from World War II is a famous historical example of encoding used to keep communication secure.

Origin of 'encode'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'encode' comes from the prefix 'en-' meaning to put into, and 'code,' which refers to a system of symbols representing information.
  • It first appeared in the English language in the early 20th century, primarily in the context of telecommunication and computing.

The word 'encode' originated from the Latin word 'encodare', which means 'to put into a code'. The concept of encoding has been used throughout history to protect sensitive information and communicate securely. With the advancement of technology, encoding has become a crucial aspect of data security and privacy.

See also: codebase, codebreaker, codebreaking, coded, coder, coders, codes, coding, decode.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,858, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.