1. Carve, cut, or etch into a material or surface
   "the lovers inscribed their names into the bark of the tree";
   - scratch, engrave, grave [archaic]
    
2. Write, engrave, or print as a lasting record
   "They inscribed the names of fallen soldiers on the memorial"; "The author inscribed a personal message in each copy of the book"
    
3. Mark with one's signature
   "The author inscribed his book";
   - autograph
    
4. Write a personal message or dedication to someone, typically in a book or on a gift
   "She inscribed the book 'To John, with fond memories'"
    
5. Register formally as a participant or member
   "Please inscribe your name in the guest book";
   - enroll [N. Amer], enter, enrol [Brit, Cdn], recruit, raise
    
6. (geometry) draw within a figure so as to touch in as many places as possible
   "The student inscribed a circle within the triangle"
    
7. Convert ordinary language into code
   "They inscribed the message before transmitting it";
   - code, encipher, cipher, cypher, encrypt, write in code

Derived forms: inscribed, inscribes, inscribing

Type of: carve, chip at, dedicate, delineate, describe, draw, encode, enter, line, put down, record, register, sign, trace

Encyclopedia: Inscribe