self-identify

[self-ahy-den-ti-fahy, ‐i-den-ti-fahy]

verb (used without object)

1. identify.

   to self-identify as gay; to self-identify with others in the same situation.

verb (used with object)

1. identify.

   I've never self-identified myself with that radical mentality. She sometimes self-identifies herself with her patients.

Other Word Forms

• self-identification noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of self-identify¹

First recorded in 1960–65; self ( def. ) + identify ( def. )

Example Sentences

Sturgeon says she stands by the principle that an individual has the right to self-identify in the gender of their choosing.

From BBC

Kara didn't self-identify by the 6 June deadline, so is waiting to see if the military flags her for separation - the 30-day window means that should happen by 6 July.

From BBC

Schickler and others said that, according to the latest estimates, more than 3 million registered voters in California self-identify as limited-English proficient.

From Los Angeles Times

Up until the ruling, Labour had allowed people to self-identify as a woman, so trans women could attend the event and also take part in "positive action" measures such as all-women shortlists.

From BBC

Multiple surveys show that Americans under 30 self-identify as Christian at the same rate as the millennial generation before them, though still at far lower levels than older Americans.

From Salon