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Definition of decipher

decipher

/dɪˈsaɪ.fɚ/
de · ci · pher
Adjective:decipherable
•
Past Simple:deciphered
•
Past Participle:deciphered
•
Present Participle:deciphering
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decipher Lexical Profile

decipher Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To succeed in understanding, interpreting, or identifying something that is obscure, illegible, or confusing.

Example

"The pharmacist was barely able to decipher the doctor's hurried handwriting on the prescription."

2

To convert a text written in code, or a coded signal, into normal language.

Example

"Linguists worked for decades to decipher the ancient script carved into the stone monument."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for decipher

• Nearby Words

decimate
decimation
decimeter
decipher
decipherable
decipherer
decipherment

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the early 16th century from Middle French déchiffrer, composed of the prefix dé- (meaning 'undo') and chiffre ('cipher' or 'zero'), which ultimately traces back to the Arabic sifr ('empty' or 'zero').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Decipher. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/decipher
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