self-identify

American  

[self-ahy-den-ti-fahy, ‐i-den-ti-fahy] / ˈsɛlf aɪˈdɛn tɪˌfaɪ, ‐ɪˈdɛn tɪˌfaɪ /

verb (used without object)

1. identify.

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

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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

Derived Forms

• self-identification
  noun

Etymology

Origin of self-identify

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

Example Sentences

People on the African continent did not self identify as Africans; instead there was a self identity in relation to specific ethnic groups and specific kingdoms, religions or language.

From The Guardian • May 26, 2018

There there are Haley and Emily who are twins who self identify as both “quirky” and “double trouble.”

From Time • Jan. 4, 2016

Over the last six months we have seen a dramatic uptick in the number of start-ups that self identify as an “industry cloud” company.  

From Forbes • Mar. 25, 2014