classify

[ klas-uh-fahy ]
/ ˈklæs əˌfaɪ /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR classify ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used with object), clas·si·fied, clas·si·fy·ing.

to arrange or organize by classes; order according to class.
to assign a classification to (information, a document, etc.).Compare classification(def 5).
to limit the availability of (information, a document, etc.) to authorized persons.

QUIZZES

CHALLENGE YOURSELF WITH THESE WORDS FROM "LITTLE WOMEN"

"Little Women" may be a classic, but that doesn't mean we all know the meanings of the vocab words from the book. Can you define these words correctly and make Jo proud?
Question 1 of 10
earnest
full seriousness, as of intention or purpose.
a feeling of dread, anxiety, or anguish.
urgent character; imperativeness; insistence; importunateness.
TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of classify

1790–1800; < Latin classi(s) class + -fy

OTHER WORDS FROM classify

Words nearby classify

classification schedule, classified, classified ad, classified advertising, classifier, classify, classis, classism, classless, classmate, classon
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Words related to classify

organize, divide, distribute, label, segregate, allocate, analyze, arrange, incorporate, alphabetize, grade, number, rank, rate, regiment, collocate, file, tabulate, size, index

Example sentences from the Web for classify

British Dictionary definitions for classify

classify
/ (ˈklæsɪˌfaɪ) /

verb -fies, -fying or -fied (tr)

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

Derived forms of classify

classifiable, adjectiveclassifier, noun

Word Origin for classify

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