classify

[klas-uh-fahy] /ˈklæs əˌfaɪ/
verb (used with object), classified, classifying.
1.
to arrange or organize by classes; order according to class.
2.
to assign a classification to (information, a document, etc.).
Compare classification (def 5).
3.
to limit the availability of (information, a document, etc.) to authorized persons.
Origin
1790-1800; < Latin classi(s) class + -fy
Related forms
classifiable, adjective
misclassify, verb (used with object), misclassified, misclassifying.
nonclassifiable, adjective
overclassify, verb (used with object), overclassified, overclassifying.
preclassify, verb (used with object), preclassified, preclassifying.
unclassifiable, adjective
unclassifiableness, noun
unclassifiably, adverb
unclassifying, adjective
Synonyms
1. class, rank, rate, categorize, group.
British Dictionary definitions for classify

classify

/ˈklæsɪˌfaɪ/
verb (transitive) -fies, -fying, -fied
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
Derived Forms
classifiable, adjective
classifier, noun
Word Origin
C18: back formation from classification
Word Origin and History for classify
v.

1782, from French classifier, from classe (see class (n.)) + -fier (see -fy). Related: Classified; classifying.