Definition

To rearrange something that has been mixed up or scrambled back into its original order or form.

Example

The teacher asked the students to descramble the jumbled words in the exercise.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Did you manage to descramble that message from last night?

Not yet, but I think I have a good idea on how to do it.

If you need help, I can try to descramble it with you.

That would be great! Two heads are better than one.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Descramble → It is formed from "de-" (meaning down or away) and "scramble" (from Old French *escrambler*, meaning to mix or jumble). The word describes the act of taking something that is mixed up and arranging it in a clear order.

Memory Tip

Think of 'taking away' ('de-') the confusion of something that is 'mixed up' ('scramble') — that's why descramble means to sort out or clarify.

Visually Confused Words