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

We may, for instance, receive a text that tells us what the spy is wearing, but it will need to be unscrambled.

From Los Angeles Times

And at this point, it may not be possible as a practical matter to unscramble the eggs.

From Los Angeles Times

The researchers first worked to unscramble the signals from Mr. Oskam’s brain.

From NewsForKids.net

But many messaging services currently offer end-to-end encryption - so messages can be unscrambled by only the devices sending and receiving them.

From BBC

Even the operator of the app cannot unscramble messages as they pass across systems - they can be decrypted only by the people in the chat.

From BBC

Related Words

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