declassify

UK: diːˈklæsɪfaɪ | US: diːˈklæsɪfaɪ

Definition

  1. vt. to remove official secrecy or confidentiality from (documents or information)

  2. vt. to downgrade the security classification of (information)

Structure
de <reverse>class <category>ify <make>de <reverse>class <category>ify <make>
Etymology

The word "declassify" emerged in the mid-20th century, combining "de-" (undoing) with "classify" (to categorize, derived from "class"). It reflects bureaucratic logic—reversing the act of assigning secrecy levels to information. The suffix "-ify" turns the noun "class" into an actionable verb, emphasizing the process of removing classification.

Examples

  1. The government agreed to declassify the wartime documents after 50 years.

  2. Scientists petitioned to declassify research data for public access.

  3. Once declassified, the files revealed previously hidden historical details.

  4. Agencies must follow strict protocols to declassify sensitive materials.

  5. The president ordered to declassify the intelligence report immediately.