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.).

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

Other Word Forms

• classifiable adjective
• misclassify verb (used with object)
• nonclassifiable adjective
• overclassify verb (used with object)
• preclassify verb (used with object)
• unclassifiable adjective
• unclassifiableness noun
• unclassifiably adverb
• unclassifying adjective
• classifier noun

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

“You have depression in your family, your father in particular. I’d classify you as a depressive. It’s in your best interests to continue on the medication.”

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When an object matches both appearance and spectrum, it can be classified reliably.

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On at least one occasion, government officials reminded Papperger about the classified nature of their negotiations, one of the people said.

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It will also hinge on the success of the monumental logistical operation at the heart of Operation Plan Germany, the 1,200 page-long classified document drafted behind the nondescript walls of the Julius Leber Barracks.

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Only a small number of PeVatrons have been classified in this way.

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Related Words

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