self-identify

American  

[self-ahy-den-ti-fahy, ‐i-den-ti-fahy] / ˈsɛlf aɪˈdɛn tɪˌfaɪ, ‐ɪˈdɛn tɪˌfaɪ /

verb (used without object)

1. identify.

   to self-identify as gay; to self-identify with others in the same situation.

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verb (used with object)

1. identify.

   I've never self-identified myself with that radical mentality. She sometimes self-identifies herself with her patients.

Other Word Forms

• self-identification noun

Etymology

Origin of self-identify

First recorded in 1960–65; self ( def. ) + identify ( def. )

Example Sentences

Kara didn't self-identify by the 6 June deadline, so is waiting to see if the military flags her for separation - the 30-day window means that should happen by 6 July.

From BBC

Schickler and others said that, according to the latest estimates, more than 3 million registered voters in California self-identify as limited-English proficient.

From Los Angeles Times

Multiple surveys show that Americans under 30 self-identify as Christian at the same rate as the millennial generation before them, though still at far lower levels than older Americans.

From Salon

In 2022, the Scottish government introduced a law that would allow people to "self-identify" in their desired gender.

From BBC

Israeli Arabs descend from Palestinians who became citizens of Israel when the state was established in 1948, many of whom continue to strongly self-identify as Palestinian.

From BBC