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classify

[klas-uh-fahy]
verb (used with object), clas·si·fied, clas·si·fy·ing.
  1. to arrange or organize by classes; order according to 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.
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Origin of classify

1790–1800; < Latin classi(s) class + -fy
Related formsclas·si·fi·a·ble, adjectivemis·clas·si·fy, verb (used with object), mis·clas·si·fied, mis·clas·si·fy·ing.non·clas·si·fi·a·ble, adjectiveo·ver·clas·si·fy, verb (used with object), o·ver·clas·si·fied, o·ver·clas·si·fy·ing.pre·clas·si·fy, verb (used with object), pre·clas·si·fied, pre·clas·si·fy·ing.un·clas·si·fi·a·ble, adjectiveun·clas·si·fi·a·ble·ness, nounun·clas·si·fi·a·bly, adverbun·clas·si·fy·ing, adjective

Synonyms

1. class, rank, rate, categorize, group.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

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British Dictionary definitions for classifiable

classify

verb -fies, -fying or -fied (tr)
  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
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Derived Formsclassifiable, adjectiveclassifier, noun

Word Origin

C18: back formation from classification
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for classifiable

adj.

1820, from classify + -able.

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classify

v.

1782, from French classifier, from classe (see class (n.)) + -fier (see -fy). Related: Classified; classifying.

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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper