a verbal suffix meaning “to make,” “cause to be,” “render” (simplify; beautify); “to become,” “be made” (liquefy). The suffix was introduced into English in loan words from Old French (deify), but is also used in the formation of new words, usually on a Latin root (reify).
Origin
< Old French-fier ≪ Latin-ficāre to do, make
British Dictionary definitions for -fy
-fy
suffix
1.
to make or become: beautify, simplify, liquefy
Word Origin
from Old French -fier, from Latin -ficāre, verbal ending formed from -ficus-fic
Word Origin and History for -fy
word-forming element meaning "to make into," from French -fier, from Latin -ficare, from unstressed form of facere "to make, do" (see factitious).