encipher
UK: ɪnˈsaɪfə | US: ɪnˈsaɪfər
vt. to convert (a message or data) into a coded form; encrypt
The word "encipher" combines the prefix "en-" (from Old French, meaning "to cause to be" or "put into") with "cipher" (from Arabic "ṣifr," meaning "zero" or "code"). Originally, "cipher" referred to the Arabic numeral system and later evolved to mean "secret writing." The fusion of "en-" and "cipher" in the 16th century created the verb "encipher," reflecting the action of transforming plain text into a coded message. This mirrors the logical progression of "cipher" from a mathematical concept to a cryptographic tool.
The spy used a special device to encipher sensitive documents.
Modern software can encipher data to protect it from hackers.
During wartime, soldiers were trained to encipher their communications.
The ancient manuscript was enciphered to hide its contents from outsiders.
To ensure privacy, always encipher your emails when discussing confidential matters.