declassify

[dee-klas-uh-fahy]

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.

declassify

/ diːˈklæsɪˌfaɪ /

verb

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

Other Word Forms

• declassifiable adjective
• declassification noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of declassify¹

First recorded in 1860–65; de- + classify

Example Sentences

The debate over Russiagate was reinvigorated last week when an appendix to another justice department investigation into the affair was declassified.

From BBC

The director batted away the question with a non-answer: “The evidence and the intelligence that has been declassified and released is irrefutable.”

From Salon

Friday's report from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence declassified emails between Obama aides, and argued they had suppressed intelligence findings that Russia had failed in probing attempts to hack US election databases.

From BBC

He signed an executive order in January ordering that documents from both assassinations be declassified, along with the records in the assassination of Robert F Kennedy.

From BBC

What information has been declassified — and much of it hasn’t been — bolsters the memories of survivors.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• publicize