declassify

American  

[dee-klas-uh-fahy] / diˈklæs əˌfaɪ /

verb (used with object)

declassified, declassifying

1. to remove the classification from (information, a document, etc.) that restricts access in terms of secrecy, confidentiality, etc.

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declassify British  

/ diːˈklæsɪˌfaɪ /

verb

1. (tr) to release (a document or information) from the security list

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Other Word Forms

• declassifiable adjective
• declassification noun

Etymology

Origin of declassify

First recorded in 1860–65; de- + classify

Example Sentences

Wilson proposed declassifying the board for annual elections and a Brand Product Committee, the latter of which was rejected.

From Barron's

Williams didn’t speak about the details of the encounter — even with family members — until records about the dogfight were declassified in 2002.

From Los Angeles Times

Drawing on recently declassified information, DiNanno hardened those allegations and offered some new details.

From The Wall Street Journal

“When the Iceworm documents were declassified in 1996, they caused tension and unease because they suggested the U.S. had explored major military plans in Greenland without informing Denmark,” Nielsen said.

From Los Angeles Times

Twenty images, many of which are too graphic to show, were published as part of a declassified FBI report into Epstein's death in custody, as well as a post-mortem and internal prison documents.

From BBC

Related Words

• publicize