classify

Word parts

class + -ify

Pronunciation

• (US) IPA ^(key): /ˈklæsɪfaɪ/

• Audio (UK)

  (file)

Verb

Plain form classify

Third-person singular classifies

Past tense classified

Past participle classified

Present participle classifying

1. When you classify something, you sort it into different classes or categories.

   This murder case was classified as an accidental murder.

2. When someone classifies something, they declare it to be a secret, especially for a government secret.
   • Antonym: declassify

   The government decided to classify the information about the locations of nuclear weapon production.

Related words

• classification