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

• classifier noun
• 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

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

Exceptions will be made when classified national security information is inadvertently stated or language is used that violates Federal Communications Commission broadcast standards.

From Los Angeles Times

The domestic spy agency classified it in May as a right-wing extremist organisation this year, before placing a pause on that description due to an appeal pending in court.

From BBC

That reporting also revealed that Edison knew that some of the electrical towers under investigation were long overdue for critical upkeep and were classified as an “ignition risk” in company records.

From Los Angeles Times

Whether whole milk can be neatly classified as “bad” remains an ongoing debate.

From Salon

After the California Legislature rewrote employment law in 2019, clarifying and limiting when businesses can classify their workers as independent contractors, Uber and Lyft went to California voters to exempt their drivers from that law.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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