scramble

/ˈskræmbəl/

/ˈskræmbəl/

Other forms: scrambled; scrambling; scrambles

To scramble is to move quickly in a disorganized fashion, like people running to get out of the rain. When you scramble a message, it can no longer be read.

Have you ever run somewhere, in a hurry, with no regard for how you looked? Then you scrambled. Quarterbacks scramble when they need to escape defenders trying to clobber them. A scramble is not graceful; people scramble when they want to get somewhere fast. Also, scrambling refers to altering a message so others can't read it. Putting a message into code is a type of scrambling. Scrambled messages are like scrambled eggs: all mixed up.

Definitions of scramble

1. verb

   move hurriedly
   “The friend scrambled after them”

   type of:

   go, locomote, move, travel

   change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
2. verb

   climb awkwardly, as if by scrambling
   synonyms: clamber, shin, shinny, skin, sputter, struggle

   type of:

   climb

   move with difficulty, by grasping
3. noun

   an unceremonious and disorganized struggle
   synonyms: scuffle

   type of:

   battle, struggle

   an energetic attempt to achieve something
4. noun

   rushing about hastily in an undignified way
   synonyms: scamper, scurry

   type of:

   haste, hurry, rush, rushing

   the act of moving hurriedly and in a careless manner
5. verb

   bring into random order
   synonyms: jumble, throw together

   types:

   tumble

   throw together in a confused mass

   type of:

   disarray, disorder

   bring disorder to
6. verb

   make unintelligible
   “scramble the message so that nobody can understand it”

   antonyms:

   unscramble

   make intelligible

   type of:

   alter, change, modify

   cause to change; make different; cause a transformation
7. verb

   stir vigorously
   synonyms: beat

   types:

   whip, whisk

   whip with or as if with a wire whisk

   cream

   make creamy by beating

   type of:

   agitate, commove, disturb, raise up, shake up, stir up, vex

   change the arrangement or position of