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classify

[ klas-uh-fahy ]
/ ˈklæs əˌfaɪ /
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See synonyms for: classify / classified / classifies 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.
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Origin of classify

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

OTHER WORDS FROM classify

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use classify in a sentence

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
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