Discover pencil pusher giving away American code (8)

I believe the answer is:

encipher

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'code' is the definition.
(I know that code can be written as encipher)

I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.

(Other definitions for encipher that I've seen before include "Convert to coded form" , "Convert ordinary language into code" , "Put into code" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.

Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app