unscramble

[ uhn-skram-buhl ]

verb (used with object)

, un·scram·bled, un·scram·bling.

1. to bring out of a scrambled condition; reduce to order or intelligibility.
2. Also to make (a scrambled radio or telephonic message) comprehensible by systematically tuning the receiver to the frequencies used in transmission. Compare decode ( def 2 ).

unscramble

/ ʌnˈskræmbəl /

verb

1. to resolve from confusion or disorderliness
2. to restore (a scrambled message) to an intelligible form

Derived Forms

• unˈscrambler, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of unscramble¹

First recorded in 1915–20; un- ² + scramble

Example Sentences

But, with every quarter that passes, it's harder to unscramble the egg.

From The Daily Beast

The disadvantage, soon manifest, was that no plan had been devised to unscramble the reports from the various tanks.

From Project Gutenberg

In the Pentagon it takes days to unscramble a received broadcast such as Betsy receives!

From Project Gutenberg

"These two'll unscramble that broadcast," said Sergeant Bellews, with tranquil confidence.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• conclude
• determine
• discover
• fathom
• resolve
• see
• settle
• solve
• suppose
• think