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Definition scramble in British English

scramble verb

verb
/ˈskræmb(ə)l/
1

to climb somewhere using your feet and hands

Example

She managed to scramble over the wall.

Synonyms and related words
1.1

to move somewhere quickly and in a way that is not graceful

Example

They stopped the car and quickly scrambled out.

Example

He scrambled awkwardly to his feet.

Synonyms and related words
2

to hurry or try very hard to get something, often competing with other people

Example

Tensions are rising as diplomats scramble to prevent a war.

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3

to mix together the white and yellow parts of an egg and cook it

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4

to change the form of a radio message so that only someone with special equipment can understand it

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5

if aircraft or pilots scramble, they take off quickly, for example to attack an enemy or because of an emergency

Example

RAF fighter jets scrambled to escort the plane into Stansted airport.

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5.1

if aircraft are scrambled, their crews are ordered to take off quickly, for example to attack an enemy or because of an emergency

Example

A coastguard helicopter was scrambled from Scotland.

Synonyms and related words
Definition scramble in British English