classify

[ klas-uh-fahy ]

verb (used with object)

classified, classifying.

1. to arrange or organize by classes; order according to class.

   Synonyms: group, categorize, rate, rank, class

2. to assign a classification to (information, a document, etc.). Compare classification ( def 5 ).
3. to limit the availability of (information, a document, etc.) to authorized persons.

classify

/ ˈklæsɪˌfaɪ /

verb

1. to arrange or order by classes; categorize
2. government to declare (information, documents, etc) of possible aid to an enemy and therefore not available to people outside a restricted group

Derived Forms

• ˈclassiˌfier, noun
• ˈclassiˌfiable, adjective

Other Word Forms

• classi·fia·ble adjective
• mis·classi·fy verb (used with object) misclassified misclassifying
• non·classi·fia·ble adjective
• over·classi·fy verb (used with object) overclassified overclassifying
• pre·classi·fy verb (used with object) preclassified preclassifying
• un·classi·fia·ble adjective
• un·classi·fia·ble·ness noun
• un·classi·fia·bly adverb
• un·classi·fying adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of classify¹

First recorded in 1790–1800; from Latin classi(s) class + -fy

Word History and Origins

Origin of classify¹

C18: back formation from classification

Example Sentences

Last year, he was found guilty on 34 counts for fraudulently classifying reimbursements for a hush-money payment made to adult-film actress Stormy Daniels.

From BBC

An ancient oak felled in a north London park by Toby Carvery's owners was classified last year as a "fine specimen" with a life expectancy of at least 50 years, planning documents show.

From BBC

Postecoglou revealed on Friday that there was a mole inside his club filtering out classified information into the public domain.

From BBC

Some of the chicken was bought as halal, but poor hygiene and cross-contamination in the warehouse meant none of it could be truly classified as such.

From BBC

Trump instructed Bondi to investigate if Krebbs had violated the Espionage Act by providing classified information to someone who was not authorized to receive it.

From Salon

Related Words

• allocate
• analyze
• arrange
• distribute
• divide
• label
• organize
• segregate