declassify

[ dee-klas-uh-fahy ]

verb (used with object)

, de·clas·si·fied, de·clas·si·fy·ing.

1. to remove the classification from (information, a document, etc.) that restricts access in terms of secrecy, confidentiality, etc. Compare classification ( def 5 ).

declassify

/ diːˈklæsɪˌfaɪ /

verb

1. tr to release (a document or information) from the security list

Derived Forms

• deˈclassiˌfiable, adjective
• deˌclassifiˈcation, noun

Other Words From

• de·classi·fia·ble adjective
• de·clas·si·fi·ca·tion [dee-klas-, uh, -fi-, key, -sh, uh, n], noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of declassify¹

First recorded in 1860–65; de- + classify

Example Sentences

For decades, successive governments have denied there was a secret monitoring programme - but the veterans say recently declassified files support their memories of medical staff taking blood and urine samples.

From BBC

This year, 4,000 pages of documents from the Atomic Weapons Establishment were declassified after a long Freedom of Information fight.

From BBC

Over the summer, when asked by a reporter, Trump said he might declassify files related to Epstein’s case if he wins in November.

From Salon

President Biden in 2021 finally ordered many documents declassified, fulfilling a promise to the 9/11 victims’ families, but the releases were heavily redacted.

From Los Angeles Times

When Mr. Hadi’s lawyers began screening images of cells similar to those where he was kept incommunicado in 2006 and 2007, a prosecutor protested, only to learn that the material had recently been declassified.

From New York Times

Related Words

• publicize